It's a statistical fact that people with diabetes are more likely to die from cardiovascular problems, like heart attack and stroke than those without diabetes. These same studies show that high LDL (bad cholesterol) and low HDL (good cholesterol) is a strong indicator of the potential for a future heart attack.
CHOLESTEROL DEFINED: Cholesterol is a substance that is made by your own body, but it can also be found in various food products, particularly animal products, such as beef, eggs, and butter. A certain amount of cholesterol in the body is fine, however too much cholesterol can lead to health problems.
DIABETES DEFINED: Diabetes is a chronic condition normally associated with high levels of glucose or sugar in your blood. This blood sugar cannot be properly used by the body, because of an imbalance in the insulin levels. The two types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2, where type 1 is insulin dependent.
If you currently have diabetes, the likelihood of having cholesterol related difficulties will be greater so managing your cholesterol, in particular lowering your LDL cholesterol will improve your health, and reduce your chances encountering cardiovascular disease. Statistics indicate that a person with diabetes who effectively lowers their LDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of a heart attack by over 20%.
LDL CHOLESTEROL: High levels of LDL in the blood are known to increase the incidence of heart disease.
If you have diabetes one of your primary goals should be to reduce your cholesterol level, in particular your LDL or bad cholesterol. Stated simply when your LDL is too high, certain plaques along with other substances are deposited on the inner walls of your arteries, making blood flow more difficult, and increasing your likelihood of heart disease, stroke, or death.
HDL cholesterol (also known as good cholesterol), works quite the opposite than LDL, removing cholesterol from your blood. You should strive to maintain your HDL cholesterol levels at or above 40 MG/DL, with a higher number being better. Statistics show that a HDL level of 60 MG/DL and above is an effective deterrent to heart disease.
If you currently have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are wondering how it affects cholesterol, in essence diabetes tends to lower the good cholesterol and raise triglycerides (the bad cholesterol). By doing this, diabetes works contrary to what your body needs, and less precautions are taken, your likelihood for heart disease and stroke is increased, the medical terminology for this is diabetic dyslipidemia.
This simply means that your profile is going in the wrong direction, and while that is stated here very simply, it can be a very deadly combination and should be taken very seriously.
While medical science continues to make advancements in the cure diabetes, armed with a proper information and motivation, diabetes sufferers can do much to aid our body in overcoming these difficulties.
1. First and foremost visit your doctor if you have any concerns or questions, and have your cholesterol checked regularly.
2. Discuss with your doctor the various plans available, and which are best suited for your own personal situation.
3. If necessary change the way you eat, since the old expression "we are what we eat" is especially true with diabetes, to a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
4. Stay active, meaning exercise regularly, the American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of good exercise every day.
Life is a journey, and living with diabetes and cholesterol may be part of your journey, it does not mean you can't have a long and healthy life, simply that you need to take the proper precautions.
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