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Objective To test the hypothesis that a change in A1c over a follow-up interval of approximately 2 years would be associated with concomitant changes in fasting lipids in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Study design All subjects with T1D diagnosed 2002–2005 in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study with at least two study visits approximately 12 and 24-months after an initial visit were included (age at initial visit=10.6±4.1 years, 48% female, diabetes duration=10±7 months, 76% non-Hispanic White, A1c=7.7±1.4%). Longitudinal mixed models were fit to examine the relationship between change in A1c and change in lipid levels (total cholesterol [TC], high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-c], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-c], log triglycerides [TG], and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [non-HDL-c]) with adjustment for possible confounders. Results Change in A1c over time was significantly associated with changes in TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, TG, and non-HDL-c over the range of A1c values. For example, for a person with an A1c of 10% and then a 2% decrease in A1c 2-years later (to 8%), the model predicted concomitant changes in TC (−0.29 mmol/l, −11.4 mg/dl), HDL-c (0.03 mmol/l, 1.3 mg/dl), LDL-c (−0.23 mmol/l, −9.0 mg/dl), and non-HDL-c (−0.32 mmol/l, −12.4 mg/dl), and an 8.5% decrease in TG (mmol/l). Conclusions Improved glucose control over a 2-year follow-up was associated with a more favorable lipid profile, but may be insufficient to normalize lipids in dyslipidemic T1D youth needing to decrease lipids to goal.

Meter downloads have the most robust association with glycemic control when contextual variables are considered. Caregiver-reported BGM frequencies can serve as reliable substitutes in the absence of meter download, but they may not be as reliable in adolescents with depressive symptoms.