A large remaining potential in lipid‐lowering drug treatment in the type 2 diabetes population: A Danish nationwide cohort study

We aimed to assess lipid‐lowering drug (LLD) use patterns during 1996‐2017 and examine lipid levels in relation to the use of LLDs and prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Trends in lipid levels were estimated using an additive mixed‐effect model. Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) goal attainment was assessed based on recommended targets by the 2011, 2016 and 2019 guidelines for management of dyslipidaemias. LLD use has decreased since 2012 and only 55% of those with type 2 diabetes were LLD users in 2017. A decline in levels of total cholesterol and LDL‐C, and an increase in triglycerides, was observed during 2010‐2017. LLD use and LDL‐C levels are far from optimal in the Danish type 2 diabetes population and improvement in LLD use could reduce ASCVD events.