Sugar flow and overflow play an important role in your cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol or diabetes, this is even more concerning. Sugar and cholesterol are both involved in your blood and your heart functioning. Neglecting these can lead to or worsen such ailments as diabetes, heart disease and heart attack, says the National Cholesterol Education Program, or NCEP. Understand how sugar, sugar overflow, cholesterol and high cholesterol must be addressed in an effort to prevent such life-threatening conditions.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your bloodstream. There are two kinds of cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is good for your blood system because it helps keep arteries clear and blood flowing. LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol that can threaten heart disease, heart attacks and other problems with healthy body functioning. High levels of LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries. Diet, genetics, weight and lifestyle all contribute towards your cholesterol levels, says NCEP.
High Cholesterol
The NCEP reports that high cholesterol typically means high levels of the bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol and low levels of the good cholesterol, HDL cholesterol. High cholesterol leads to heart disease -- the No. 1 cause of death for adult Americans. There are no symptoms for having high blood cholesterol, so screenings are important. Treatment for high cholesterol involves adjusting lifestyle patterns through diet, exercise and healthy habits. It may also include prescription drug treatment.
Sugar Overflow
Sugar overflow means high levels of sugar intake in the bloodstream. It's a term often associated with diabetes. Examining glucose concentration is another way of phrasing sugar overflow. Sugar overflow affects your kidneys, liver and pancreas and can be detected in your urine. Consider your sugar overflow in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, particularly for your cardiovascular system. Monitoring blood-sugar levels regularly can help keep sugar overflow under control.
The Relationship between Sugar and Cholesterol
Sugar overflow in your bloodstream contributes to high cholesterol and affects overall healthy bodily functions. Too much sugar decreases the amount HDL cholesterol and increases the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood system. Therefore, sugar overflow affects the bloodstream and arteries by contributing to the buildup of bad cholesterol, LDL cholesterol. The NCEP says sugar overflow also contributes to high triglycerides, which is another kind of fat that can build in your arteries.
Cautions and Suggestions
Ask your physician about cholesterol screening schedules to check for high levels. Experts suggest every five years after age 25, the NCEP says. Obesity, diabetes, smoking, aging and an inactive lifestyle are all risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease. Decreasing sugar intake helps, but don't substitute with artificial sweeteners. They have their own health risks. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding diet, lifestyle and exercise to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood-sugar levels.
