Leptin treatment inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis by attenuating hypercholesterolemia in type 1 diabetic Ins2+/Akita:apoE−/− mice

► The leptin sensitivity is preserved for an extended period of time in lean T1D. ► Leptin replacement alone inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis in T1D. ► Physiologic leptin replacement exerts cholesterol-lowering effect in T1D. ► Leptin therapy restores the decreased expression of hepatic IRS-1 and -2 in T1D.