Cholesterol Levels and Diabetes

A. High levels of cholesterol, particularly LDL, or bad cholesterol, can cause atherosclerosis. This is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries and causes them to become narrower or clogged, which can lead to heart disease and stroke, the biggest health problems for people with Diabetes. High cholesterol can also cause circulation problems for people with Diabetes. By maintaining normal cholesterol levels, you can help prevent these conditions.
Be sure to have your cholesterol checked at least once a year. Total cholesterol should be under 200; LDL (bad cholesterol) should be under 100; HDL ("good" cholesterol) should be above 40 in men and above 50 in women; and triglycerides should be under 150. Eating a healthy diet, taking your prescribed medications, and exercising daily can help keep your cholesterol in a safe range. Keeping cholesterol levels under control can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetics by 20% to 50%.