Diabetes & Cholesterol

Cholesterol (ko-LES-ter-ol) is a waxy, fat-like substance that is in all the body's cells, including the blood. Your body needs cholesterol to make some hormones, vitamins, and to help you digest. Your body makes all of the cholesterol it needs. Cholesterol is also found in some foods you eat.

In the blood, cholesterol is carried in small packages called lipoproteins (lip-o-PRO-teens). Two kinds of lipoproteins carry cholesterol through your body. It's important to have healthy levels of both LOW-density and HIGH-density lipoproteins.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. Some people call LDL "bad" cholesterol. You can remember LDL by thinking, L is for "Lousy." The higher the LDL level in your blood, the greater chance you have of getting heart disease. That's pretty lousy, indeed!

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are also known as "good" cholesterol (think, H is for "Happy"). HDL helps remove cholesterol from your body, so the higher your HDL, the lower your chance for getting heart disease.

There are 3 main types of cholesterol or blood fats:

HDL or High Density Lipoprotein, which usually protects against heart disease (Good cholesterol). However in some people with diabetes, this cholesterol does not work as well as in non-diabetic people.

LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein, which may become deposited in your blood vessels (Bad cholesterol). In some people with diabetes, this is much more likely to happen.

Adding together all the blood cholesterol gives the Total Cholesterol

WHAT TREATMENT IS NEEDED?

If high cholesterol levels are found (total cholesterol more than 5), reducing the amount of fat in your diet may be all that is necessary.
The dietitian can give you advice about how to do this
In some people, tablets are also required. However tablets are not a substitute for healthy eating.
If you have had a previous heart attack, a history of angina, previous stroke or problems with the circulation in your legs or feet, tablet treatment is more likely to be needed
If your doctor thinks you have a higher than average chance of developing any of these conditions, you may also need tablet treatment.
If you need tablets for cholesterol, your doctor will often give you Aspirin tablets also. These thin your blood and protect against heart attacks and strokes. Do not take Aspirin for this purpose without discussing it first with your doctor.
Ask for advice on activity levels and exercise
Ask for advice on stopping smoking