Diabetes is a major risk factor for CVD in type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and aggressive management of cholesterol and other serum lipids and blood pressure is recommended when LDL-cholesterol is >100 gm/dL and blood pressure is >130/80 mm Hg (by modifying food intake to 25% to 35% total fat, <7% saturated fat, < 200 mg cholesterol, 2,400 mg sodium, kcal for weight loss), physical activity and the addition of medications when lifestyle changes are not adequate. ATP III recommendations (the Third Report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults) for treating hyperlipidemia are appropriate for individuals with diabetes and hyperlipidemia(2001).

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.