OBJECTIVE:Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a 2-4 fold increase in the risk of both coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, emphasizing the importance of primary prevention in this high-risk patient group. Management of dyslipidemia with the use of lipid-lowering agents as primary prevention was found to be beneficial. This study was designed to describe the current lipid control patterns and related resources allocation in local diabetic patients. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with DM with no prior history of CHD or strokes and were followed up at both Ruttonjee Hospital and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital during January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003 were recruited. Retrospective chart review was conducted for a period of 2 years, starting from the date of hospital admission. Patients' demographics, baseline and follow-up cholesterol laboratory values and statins treatment data were collected. Patients were then divided into 2 groups: those receiving lipid lowering agents (LLA) and those who were not.RESULTS:A total of 222 patients were included. Only 33. 8% of patients received one or more LLA for primary prevention. In contrast, nearly 50% of patients who were not treated with LLA had dyslipidemia problems (i.e. low density lipoprotein concentration [LDL-C] > 2.6 mmol/L). The most commonly prescribed LLA for primary prevention was statin. Only 21.2% patients attained target LDL-C level. The overall incidence of cardiovascular complications was 11.7% that was slightly higher in those prescribed with LLAs. Absence of routine screening of risk, suboptimal utilization and inadequate dosage titration of LLAs were identified and might contributed to the cardiovascular events.CONCLUSIONS: Primary prevention of cardiovascular complication with LLA should be reinforced. There is room for improvement of the use of LLA for primary prevention in DM patients. Development and implementation of local guidelines could be considered to promote the use of LLA in primary prevention.