Statin lipid-modifying drugs should be used in all patients with diabetes mellitus who have prior cardiovascular disease, regardless of current lipid levels, to reduce LDL cholesterol to below 2.07 mmol/L or 30-40% from baseline status. For those without cardiovascular disease and over 40 years of age, statin lipid modifiers should be used if LDL cholesterol is above 2.5 mmol/L or total cholesterol is above 4.5 mmol/L. For those under 40 years of age, if other cardiovascular disease risk factors are also present (hypertension, smoking, microalbuminuria, family history of early-onset cardiovascular disease, and estimated increased overall risk of cardiovascular disease), statin lipid-modifying agents should also be used. Once LDL cholesterol is on target, consider a beta-lipid-lowering agent if triglycerides exceed 1.5 mmol/L or HDL cholesterol is below 1.1 mmol/L. If triglycerides exceed 4.5 mmol/L, triglyceride-lowering therapy must be used first to avoid the development of pancreatitis. Other types of modulating drugs (e.g., cholesterol absorption inhibitors, extended-release niacin, concentrated omega3 fatty acids, etc.) should be considered when lipid-lowering goals cannot be achieved or are not tolerated by conventional lipid-lowering drugs. All patients with dyslipidemia should be treated with intensive lifestyle interventions, including reduction of saturated fatty acid and cholesterol intake, weight loss, increased exercise and cessation of smoking, alcohol and salt restriction.