For me it was drastically cutting my carbohydrates and increasing fats. Initially there was a rise in total cholesterol but each result after that it came down with only the HDL going up, just I wanted! Total cholesterol is not a great indicative factor, all the panel should be looked at against the recommended ranges. Like others my cholesterol went up as I was losing weight and when the weight loss slowed down and my body stopped eliminating my fat, my cholesterol improved all without statins.
Great improvement on your A1c and as that continues you will most likely find your cholesterol will too.
