Managing diabetes is not just about controlling blood sugar levels. Having diabetes also means having a higher risk of heart disease. This means it is important for diabetics to do all they can to prevent heart disease or control it once it exists. Part of managing heart disease is keeping cholesterol levels in check and a physician can recommend an LDL target range to aim for.
Benefits
High blood sugar levels that are not well controlled, can cause many complications including damage to blood vessels. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in diabetics. Diabetics also tend to develop heart disease at an earlier age than nondiabetics and heart attacks tend to be more severe and deadly in diabetics. Having diabetes raises the risk of having higher cholesterol levels as well. All of the above, means that diabetics need to be especially careful about high cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease.
Identification
Cholesterol can not dissolve in the blood so it must be transported through the body by carriers. Low density lipoproteins, or LDLs, are one type of carrier which takes cholesterol to be stored in the body. The other carrier is high density lipoproteins, or HDLs, which take cholesterol to be excreted. A high level of LDLs can lead to cholesterol building up along blood vessel walls. A high HDL level has a protective effect against heart disease. So the goal is to raise HDL levels while lowering LDL levels.
Considerations
Diabetics, especially those with type 2 diabetes, are at risk for developing a condition called diabetic dyslipidemia. Diabetic dyslipidemia is the term used to describe abnormal cholesterol levels due to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes tends to cause high LDL levels and low HDL levels. While more research is needed to understand the link the presence of high amounts of blood glucose tends to increase the lifespan of LDLs and decrease the lifespan of HDLs and glucose makes HDLs less effective at protecting the heart.
Guidelines
Along with lowering LDL levels, diabetics should also try to keep triglyceride levels low as well. A physician can make personal recommendations as to how often to get cholesterol levels checked and what a healthy level is. The American Diabetes Association, suggests keeping LDL cholesterol levels at less than 100 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol levels higher than 60 mg/dL and triglyceride levels at less than 150 mg/dL.
Solution
To help lower LDL levels, diabetics should aim to stop smoking and lose any excess weight. Participating in moderate intensity aerobic type exercises at least 30 minutes on most days of the week will also help. Eating a diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol and triglycerides while including healthier monounsaturated fats is a must.
Since each case of diabetes is different, each patient will need to experiment with food choices in order to both lower LDL levels and keep blood sugar levels in check. A registered dietitian who is trained as a diabetes educator, can help in formulating a meal plan that helps to control disease, while still allowing favorite foods. For some patients lifestyle changes may not be enough and a physician may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications.
