An unhealthy balance of lipids puts you at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and the disease can, in turn, elevate lipid levels. Lipids are oily biological compounds insoluble in water. You need lipids, but too many of the wrong kind present health problems, including heart disease. Changes in diet and lifestyle can help control both lipids and diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, this means that your body doesn't react properly to insulin. Your body resists insulin, causing spikes in your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can adversely affect triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein -- HDL cholesterol. High blood sugar increases your level of unhealthy triglycerides and reduces your level of HDL cholesterol. This imbalance can cause a condition called diabetic dyslipidemia. The condition puts you at higher risk of developing heart disease.
Bad Cholesterol
Another harmful factor in diabetic dyslipidemia is too much low-density lipoprotein -- LDL cholesterol. LDL, commonly referred to as bad cholesterol, creates fatty deposits on the walls of your arteries. Type 2 diabetes can put you at a triple threat for heart disease, producing high levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and low levels of of HDL cholesterol. Fortunately, you can help your blood sugar and lipid levels by the same measures.
Reducing the Threat
You can lower your LDL cholesterol by reducing your consumption of saturated fat, found in animal products. Red meat with visible fat -- New York steak, for instance -- contains high levels of saturated fat. Lean poultry contains less, and vegetable protein -- kidney beans, legumes and soy -- none. You can reduce triglycerides by losing weight, eating less sugar and consuming less alcohol. Your HDL -- good -- cholesterol falls if you're sedentary. Exercise can raise the level of this healthy fat.
Healthy Foods
Although your condition needs monitoring by your physician, you can help yourself by making lifestyle changes. Foods containing soluble fiber -- apples, oatmeal and prunes, for example -- help your body eliminate bad cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, mackerel and nuts, can both lower bad cholesterol and raise healthy levels. You can cook with monounsaturated fats such as olive oil rather than butter or margarine. You can eat more whole grains such as brown rice and multi-grain bread and include fewer refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pastries in your diet. You can become more active. Drink alcohol in moderation and, if you smoke, quit.
