A double blind placebo controlled study on the effect of cerivastatin on the process of atherosclerosis in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

1. Patient with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. The diagnosis based upon the age of onset, the presence of obesity and the absence of ketoacidosis at the time of diagnosis and the use of diet or oral anti-diabetic drugs for more than one year from diagnosis;

2. Males and females;

3. Age range: 30 - 80 years;

4. Given written informed consent.

1. Angina pectoris;

2. History of myocardial infarction, PTCA or CABG;

3. Positive ECG criteria for a myocardial infarction in the past;

4. History of ischemic CVA;

5. Peripheral artery by-pass surgery or amputation because of atherosclerotic disease or claudication;

6. Secondary diabetes (steroid induced, Cushing, haemochromatosis, alcohol abuse, pancreatitis);

7. Untreated or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism;

8. Active liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis or biliary obstruction) or hepatic dysfunction (repeated aminotransferase-values more than 150% of the upper limit of normal (ULN);

9. Impaired renal function with creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min;

10. Baseline CK values $ 3 x ULN;

11. Fasting total cholesterol above 6.9 mmol/l despite diet or below 4.0 mmol/l or triglycerides above 6.0 mmol/l;

12. Any hereditary dyslipidemia;

13. Known allergy to HMG-coA-reductase inhibitors;

14. Pregnancy or lactation;

15. Women of childbearing potential, not using adequate contraceptives;

16. Use of lipid lowering medication, within eight weeks before the start of the study;

17. Life expectancy of less than two years;

18. Any other condition that in the opinion of the investigator could lead to inappropriate absorption, metabolism or elimination of the medication or compromise the patients= safety, or lead to insufficient compliance with the study drug regimen.