Cholesterol and Diabetes-What are the risk?

The relationship between cholesterol and diabetes is not always well understood by people who are suffering from diabetes.  This isn’t good, because diabetics have to be even more aware of what cholesterol can do, and their levels of it, than otherwise healthy people.  Yes, cholesterol affects everyone, whether they have diabetes or not, but diabetics are more at risk for having bad cholesterol levels than most people, and the consequences can be far worse for them, too.  Simply put, this is a topic that every diabetic in America needs to understand, so they can improve their health as much as possible, and reduce their risk of complications or even death from high cholesterol.

When it comes to cholesterol and diabetes, here are the quick facts.  There are two kinds of cholesterol – HDL and LDL.  HDL is actually good for you, and you want to increase your levels of that.  But LDL is the bad kind, and it’s important to reduce those levels in your body.  Your liver actually manufactures both kinds, because the body needs a certain amount.  But when we eat animal products such as meat or milk, we take in more of the bad kind, and our levels can get dangerously high, increasing the risk of heart diseases, strokes, heart attacks, hardening of the arteries, etc.

If you have diabetes, it’s imperative that you regularly monitor your cholesterol levels.  You can often get this done at low cost through mobile medical clinics and such.  Or your regular doctor can do it.  He or she can also advise you on how often to get tested, and just what your HDL and LDL levels should be.  Besides, testing, and regularly taking any medications your doctor has prescribed, it’s also important to reduce the amount of animal products you’re taking in if your LDL levels are high.  You’ll want to switch to a diet that consists of mostly fruits and vegetables to get them down.  Exercise is important, too.  A brisk walk of 45 minutes to an hour every day can do wonders.  If you’re out of shape, you’ll have to work up to where you can walk that long.  The important thing is to get started, and exercise every day.