RESUMO
BACKGROUND: It has been found that lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. Studies on the influence of metabolic control on plasma Lp(a) levels in Type 1 diabetics have reported conflicting results. The aim of this study was to investigate Lp(a) levels in carefully selected adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus before and after improved metabolic control achieved during a 2-week Juvenile Diabetes Training Camp. METHODS: Patients with conditions that affect plasma Lp(a) concentrations were not included. Metabolic variables were determined at the beginning and at the end of the camp. Diet was designed to supply 40-60 Kcal/Kg/day. Physical exercise was performed in two 60-minute daily sessions. Intermediate action insulin was given twice daily, and rapid acting insulin was also administered to some patients. RESULTS: On the last day of the camp, fructosamine declined from 430-362.7 mg/dL (p < 0.001), mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides also declined significantly (p < 0.001), and HDL-C increased (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant changes in plasma Lp(a) concentrations were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study in this relatively large group of well-defined adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus suggest that improved metabolic control does not reduce plasma Lp(a) levels.
