Diabetes Diet and Cholesterol
People with diabetes face a higher risk of developing heart disease.
This means that controlling cholesterol levels is extra important.
Because the body manufactures all natural cholesterol required, any extra cholesterol in a diabetes diet should be avoided. Of particular concern are LDL levels – the major risk factor related to cholesterol. LDL in the bloodstream of a person with diabetes bonds with excess glucose.
This can then stick to the arteries, and increase plaque deposits and eventually arterial damage.
Diabetes and HDL cholesterol
As well as keeping LDL cholesterol levels low, people with diabetes also need to raise HDL cholesterol. This is sometimes known as ‘good’ cholesterol, because it moves cholesterol from the body back into the liver, where it is eliminated from the system.
Unfortunately, people with diabetes generally have lower levels of HDL cholesterol.
Another aspect of cholesterol is Triglycerides. These are fats carried in the blood stream that are generally associated with a low level of HDL cholesterol.
Diabetes and cholesterol recommended levels
- Total Cholesterol - under 5 mmol/L if you have type 2 diabetes
- Low Density Lipids (LDL) (BAD) - under 3 mmol/L
- Triglycerides (BAD) - Under 1.69 mmol/L
