Lowering Cholesterol

Three months have passed since my Type 2 diagnosis which gave a HbA1c result of 49. I immediately went onto a low carb diet, 30 to 35 grams per day, increased my Aerobic exercise on my mountain bike to 2 to 3 hour sessions three times a week, lost 23 Kilo I now weigh 80 Kilo and have managed to bring my HbA1c down to 44 without the use of medication. I was hoping to get into the 30s but that is now my aim for the next test in 12 weeks time.

However my cholesterol increased to 6.2 from 6 and NHS are not happy, calculating a QRISK of heart related problem at 24%. I do not have a break down of good HDL / bad LDL cholesterol, must find out, but there seems to be more bad, although my HDL had increased since the last test. My doctor says increasing my Aerobic exercise should improve the good stuff but advised I used Statins, which I refused, he agreed I should have a review in 6 months.

I believe I can change the QRISK calculation by making changes to diet and further increasing my Mountain Biking the one thing I am unable to change in the equation is my age of 70 years , if only I could.

The question is without the use of statins what success have other Type 2’s on a low carb diet had in reducing their Cholesterol and what have they found works for them?

Thank you so much HSSS, the link was very informative and reassuring, lots to take in but well worth staying up late to read and watch all within the link. And NO I no longer give a stuff about Cholesterol readings, I shall concentrate on lowering my HbA1c and stick to my existing diet and exercise plan at least until my old legs refuse to Mountain Bike anymore.

Brunneria, I did not know that about Post Codes but I am not surprised. KK123 I agree, the QRISK result didn't really alarm me as I knew how I had made lifestyle changes that it could not calculate, it was more all the NHS info and Health industries take on Cholesterol and I had heard many bad things about Statins so did not wish to ever take them. After following the links in HSSS post I have a much better understanding of how things work or don't work which everyone offered statins should be allowed to read.

Thanks to everyone for your support, it really helps.

PS As a matter of clarity there are a whole load of Mountain Bikers aged 70 to 85 years regularly riding the technical trails of Cannock Chase, most are faster and fitter than the younger riders and of course we have the time, so OLD does not have to mean Beige Cardigans lol.

As until this diagnosis I have tried to avoid doctors and so I have no Online access but will certainly obtain it now, thanks for the advise Daibell.