If you have diabetes, you probably check your blood glucose levels regularly to make sure they are on target. But there's another level you should keep track of too—cholesterol.
Many people with diabetes have unhealthy cholesterol levels as well, giving them two major risk factors for heart attack and stroke, says the American Heart Association.
To help manage your risk for heart trouble, it's important to get your blood cholesterol levels checked regularly and take steps to keep them in a healthy range, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that is part of every cell in your body. Your body uses it for many important functions, such as making hormones and vitamins and to help with digestion. Our bodies make all of the cholesterol we need, but it's also found in some foods that come from animals, such as eggs, meat and dairy products.
When cholesterol levels are in an unhealthy range, your arteries can become narrowed or clogged. The clogged arteries make it hard for blood to flow to all the parts of your body and increase your risk for problems such as heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.
There are two main types of cholesterol. The first, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is what causes buildup on artery walls. LDL cholesterol particles are unusually small and dense in people with diabetes, which can be especially harmful to blood vessels. Low levels of LDL cholesterol are good for your heart. The ADA recommends keeping LDL below 100 mg/dL.
The other main type of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), helps remove deposits from artery walls and prevent blood vessels from becoming blocked. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease. The ADA recommends keeping HDL levels at 50 mg/dL or above for women and 40 mg/dL or above for men.
A high level of triglycerides, another type of fat, can also increase your risk for heart disease. The ADA recommends levels below 150 mg/dL.
Know your cholesterol numbers
The best way to make sure your cholesterol levels are on target is to have them checked at least every five years with a blood test, according to the ADA. Some people may need to have their levels checked more often.
What you can do
Talk to your doctor about how to keep your cholesterol within a healthy range. For most people, a combination of lifestyle changes (such as choosing healthful foods) and medication can help.
For more information on cholesterol and how to control it, visit the Cholesterol health topic center.
Reviewed 1/29/2024