AIDS: Reports of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, occurring during treatment with protease inhibitor (PI) regimens are prompting patients and providers to try to better understand the links between these disorders and antiretroviral treatments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first reported PI-associated diabetes in June 1997. Diabetes mellitus can be managed by controlling diet and exercise, or by supplementing treatment with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Hypertriglyceridemia has also been associated with PI therapies, and is apparent even in patients experiencing good results from antiretroviral therapy. Treatment for hypertriglyceridemia encompasses monitoring diet and exercise, limiting alcohol, watching hypertension, and quitting smoking. Patients at higher risk for pancreatitis can consider using lipid-lowering drugs and fibric acid derivatives. Alterations in fat distribution have also been linked to PI use, particularly in the back of the neck and upper back, and abdominal area. Researchers have seen evidence of anomalous fat distribution in some patients prior to PI treatment. Management has not consistently been remedied by diet and exercise. Sustaining overall health, reducing blood lipids, and controlling risk factors for cardiovascular disease need to be implemented. Unless the abnormalities are severe and potentially harmful to the patient, it is not commonly recommended to change the PI treatment.