Diabetes Mellitus increases the risk for all manifestations of heart disease and the treatment of hyperlipidemia has been successful in reducing cardiovascular mortality in diabetic patients. The study was carried out to compare the lipid profile of a group of diabetics who belong to a diabetic association with controls so as to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease in this group. Serum fasting lipid profile was determined in 45 diabetic patients and 30 controls using standard methods. Fasting glucose levels were also assayed in both groups using glucose oxidase method. Mean serum total cholesterol (TC), lower density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels were not significantly different in the two groups (P>0.05), even though occurrence of high cholesterol level was higher in the diabetic group. Mean triacylglyceride levels were significantly higher in the control group (P< 0.01). However, there was no association between hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. The diabetic patients studied had similar lipid profile to the control. This perhaps is a reflection of proper management of their condition as a result of having adequate access to information and networking. The observed high triacylglyceride in the control groups suggests a necessity in educating the general populace on the need for regular lipid profile check up
