Diabetics Guide to Cholesterol Levels and Treatment Options.

It is also found in animal-based foods such as eggs, meat, and dairy products. Cholesterol itself is not harmful; in fact, the body needs a degree of this substance to function.

The cells of the body use cholesterol to create vitamin D, certain hormones, and fat digesting bile acids.

There are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol; therefore, a diabetic should undergo routine screening for early detection and treatment.

 Cholesterol Classification

Cholesterol is classified as either good or bad; a basic blood test, called a lipid profile or lipid panel, can determine the levels of each. Total cholesterol levels should measure below 200 mg/dL.

Cholesterol moves through the blood stream by attaching to proteins. The combination of a protein and cholesterol is called a lipoprotein. There are four categories of lipoproteins based on the protein to fat ratio.

High density lipoprotein, or HDL, is good cholesterol. Its function is to aid in the elimination of bad cholesterol from the blood.  A high level of HDL will decrease the risk of heart disease caused by artery-clogging LDL cholesterol. Ideal HDL levels are 50 mg/dL and above.

Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the bad cholesterol. When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it causes a thick plaque to form.

The deposit of plaque creates a narrowing of the artery and a decrease in blood flow to vital organs. A diabetic’s risk factor for heart disease makes the target LDL level below 100 mg/dL.

Very low density lipoprotein, or VLDL, is also a form of bad cholesterol. It is comprised of mostly fat compared to its protein level.

Triglycerides are a fat that is transported though the blood by VLDL. It is stored in fat cells and is formed from excessive amounts of sugar, alcohol, and calories. High triglycerides are a common condition in type 2 diabetics. The target level of triglycerides is below 150 mg/dL.

When high cholesterol, hypercholesterolemia, is diagnosed a doctor will initiate treatment by first suggesting lifestyle changes.

There are a number of factors that contribute to high cholesterol that are within a person’s control such as diet, physical activity, weight control, tobacco use, and stable blood glucose levels.

Diabetic Diet LDL and HDL

Adhering to a recommended diabetic diet is the primary lifestyle change that can reduce LDL levels.

Studies have indicated that a diet high in fiber and other cholesterol-reducing foods may be as beneficial to lowering cholesterol levels as statin drugs for some people.

A diet high in trans fats, saturated fats, and dietary cholesterol will contribute to high LDL cholesterol.

Trans fats not only elevate LDL cholesterol, but they also decrease good HDL cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day.

Animal products such as organ meats, dairy products made from whole milk, and egg yolks contain concentrated amounts of cholesterol.

A heart-healthy diet, also recommended for diabetics, should include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and heart-healthy omega-3 rich fish.

The nutrients and fiber found in these items will reduce LDL, increase HDL, and contribute to stable glucose levels.

Additionally, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight and increase physical activity. A weight loss of five to ten pounds and 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise can lower LDL levels.

Diabetics should continuously manage blood glucose levels; uncontrolled sugar disrupts the removal of cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Lastly, avoid tobacco use. Quit smoking and benefits for the body can be seen in as little as twenty minutes. HDL levels will increase, and blood pressure will go down. After one year, the risk for developing heart disease is reduced by fifty percent.

Cholesterol Treatment, Medications and Genetics.

In some patients with high cholesterol, genetics play a large role in the amount of cholesterol produced by the body.

Under these circumstances, medications may be prescribed along with lifestyle changes. The drug prescribed is based on overall health, age, and individual risk factors.

One or a combination of the following medications may be prescribed.

Statins work by impeding the liver’s production of cholesterol. Instead, the liver will use cholesterol from the blood stream.

Bile-acid binding resins are used to stimulate the liver to make bile acids, a substance that binds to cholesterol, from excessive cholesterol from the blood.

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors lower blood cholesterol by decreasing the amount of dietary cholesterol absorbed by the small intestine.

To reduce triglycerides fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be prescribed.

Failing to lower high-cholesterol levels can contribute to serious health conditions, especially in diabetics.

The dangerous buildup of cholesterol in the arteries can cause atherosclerosis and reduce blood flow to vital organs. Diabetes and high cholesterol together can significantly elevate the risk for heart attack and stroke.