Lipid Profile and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Zawia, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent endocrine disorder commonly associated with dyslipidemia, a major cardiovascular risk factor. This study evaluated total cholesterol and triglyceride levels among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Zawia city, Libya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetes Center in Zawia city, including 100 adults (50 T2DM patients and 50 non-diabetic controls). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid were measured using standard assays. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation (p<0.05). Results: Compared with controls, T2DM patients had significantly lower total cholesterol (p=0.015), whereas triglycerides did not differ (p=0.47). FBS was markedly higher in the diabetes group (p<0.001). HbA1c showed a positive correlation with body weight (r=0.259, p=0.039) and was positively associated with age, with no significant sex difference. Conclusion: In this cohort, diabetic status was associated with lower total cholesterol but similar triglycerides compared with non-diabetic controls. Findings support prioritizing comprehensive risk reduction—glycemic optimization and weight management—while assessing lipid fractions beyond total cholesterol. Larger, multicenter studies with detailed lipoprotein profiling are recommended.