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High cholesterol has long been known to raise the risk of heart and blood vessel disease in people with diabetes and without. Making the effort to lower blood cholesterol is especially important for people with diabetes are at much higher risk of heart disease than the general individuals.
LDL, standing for low-density lipoprotein, is the culprit when it comes to raising the risk of heart disease. If you have too much of it in your blood, it can build up along the insides of your artery walls, narrowing and hardening the blood vessels, which increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Some of the steps you can take to help lower your LDL cholesterol level include reducing your intake of saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, and trans fat (which is present in foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils), maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity.
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is known as “good” cholesterol. The higher HDL level is, the greater you protected against heart disease. Aim for HDL is 50 mg/dl or higher in women; while men should keep their HDL at 40 mg/dl or higher. Quitting smoking, losing excess pounds, and getting regular exercise are proven ways to raise your HDL cholesterol.
In addition to HDL and LDL, controlling triglyceride is also important for your health. Having a high level of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease. he goal for triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dl. It is important people with Diabetes control body weight, avoid refined carbohydrates such as white flour, lower saturated fat intake, and increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Talk to your doctor for proper dietary and lifestyle modifications to control your cholesterol levels. If changes in lifestyle fail to provide results, a prescription medication may be necessary to control your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
