Diabetes and Cholesterol
High cholesterol is not good for anyone, regardless of diabetes
High cholesterol levels are as serious as high blood pressure, whether you are diabetic or non-diabetic.
Heart disease and stroke, both of which have been linked to high cholesterol in both men and women, are two of the leading causes of death for diabetics.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is effectively blood fat that comes in two major forms.
These are High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL).
HDL is usually referred to as ‘good cholesterol’, and actually serves to protect the heart from developing problems.
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is transported in the blood. Cholesterol is used to make the membranes of our body’s cells.
Cholesterol has been found to be important because high levels of cholesterol in the blood has been linked with higher risks of heart disease in particular. Cholesterol levels can be measure via a blood sample, usually taken from your arm.
The cholesterol targets are:
- Total cholesterol to be under 4 mmol per litre
- LDL levels to be under 2 mmols per litre
- HDL, often known as good cholesterol, to be above 1 mmol per litre
Triglyceride levels should be under 1.7 mmol per litre.
People with high levels of cholesterol will be asked to make changes to their lifestyle, such as their diet. Doctors will usually suggest reducing intake of saturated fat. In addition to lifestyle changes, a medication called statins may be prescribed.
Statins are effective in reducing levels of cholesterol and have been found to reduce risk of heart disease. As with any medication, be aware of the side effects that can exist.
Amongst diabetics, the function of this type of protein is often reduced. LDL is bad cholesterol, because it gathers in the blood vessels.
Amongst diabetics, this is a more likely occurrence.
What is total cholesterol?
Total cholesterol is a figure gleaned by testing the levels of both HDL and LDL cholesterol within a diabetic patient’s body.
I am a diabetic, when should I be tested for cholesterol?
Healthcare officials advise that total cholesterol and a specific HDL cholesterol test should be performed as often as once every year.
It is very difficult to measure LDL cholesterol, but amongst most patients the other two tests will give an accurate diagnosis.
I may have high cholesterol as a consequence of diabetes, what can I do?
If your cholesterol levels are found to be too high, the first step should be to cut down on the amount of fat that you eat. This can mean a simple adjustment to your diet, and a dietitian should be able to offer advice on this.
For some people, tablets are also suitable, but healthy eating is the primary way to lower cholesterol.
- Statins are often prescribed for people with high cholesterol.
Do I need tablets for my high cholesterol?
Whether you need to combine a healthier diet with tablets for your cholesterol depends on how serious the problem is, and your medical history. For instance:
- A history of heart attacks
- Angina
- Strokes
- Circulatory problems
The above are more likely to necessitate tablets.
My doctor wants to give me cholesterol tablets and Aspirins, why is this?
Cholesterol tablets are often accompanied by Aspirins in order to thin the blood. If your GP thinks it is suitable he may prescribe you Aspirin for this purpose.
Where can I learn more?
Please use the Diabetes Forum to learn more about cholesterol from other diabetics, and learn more about diabetes and exercise and diabetes and diet.
