Hi Sue,
an extract from Medweb/Birmingham University...
There are two main types of fat in the blood, triglycerides and cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density (LDL). Triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are harmful. Many laboratories measure the 'total' cholesterol, and generally this is equivalent to the LDL level, and the lower the better.
Types of lipid
cholesterol
•combination of LDL + HDL types
•ideal level <2.5, good level<3.5, target level <4.0.
•blood test can be carried out not fasting
•HDL cholesterol were thought to be protective, but new evidence suggest they make little difference.
•LDL cholesterol is definitely harmful
•a low cholesterol causes less heart disease (HPS)
•statins best for all adult diabetics, if well tolerated
triglceride
•blood test ideal fasting
•very harmful if high
•treatment with fibrates first choice especially if triglyceride >4.5mmol/l (NICE)
•Low lower trigyclerides and reduce retinopathy progression by 30-40%: FIELD study recommends Fibrates to lower levels
Low cholesterol and triglyceride levels reduce diabetic complications. Average levels in the UK are 5.2 mmol/l, and these are too high. Most authorities would like lower levels...the lower the better as long as you feel well. A healthy level is <3.5mmol/l. NICE target <4.0 mmol/l. see HPS
Regards Steve