Tips To Keep Cholesterol Levels In Check When You Have Diabetes

The importance of managing blood sugar levels to deal with diabetes is widely recognized. However, proper management of blood sugar levels is also important because it can help to lower the risk of diabetes complications, including high cholesterol and heart disease. The importance of keeping cholesterol levels in check cannot be understated as research has shown that diabetes often lowers HDL (good) cholesterol levels and raises triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Both of which result in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

What Diabetics Need To Know About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat that can develop inside the arteries, which over time becomes hard This causes narrowing of the arteries, which then forces the heart to work harder to pump blood. This is why high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, not all types of cholesterol are bad and it’s important to understand the difference between the two.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – LDL is often referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’ because this type of cholesterol can build up in blood vessels.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – HDL is often referred to as the ‘good cholesterol’ because it helps to clear excess LDL out of the blood.

According to a study published by The Journal of Lipid Research, blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol can interact with each other, although we still don’t understand precisely how this works. Based on what we do know, there are some recommendations that can help keep both diabetes and cholesterol levels in check.   

Tips To Keep Cholesterol Levels In Check

Monitor blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Regular monitoring of both blood sugar and cholesterol levels is most important as this allows doctors to tweak your treatment plan. Medications can be prescribed to lower cholesterol and other changes may also be recommended. LDL cholesterol level of 100 or less is termed as ideal. 

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Simple lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on heart health, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. These include maintaining healthy body weight through diet and exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Get Regular Exercise

A disciplined fitness routine can help not just with weight management, but it also helps to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming can also have a huge impact, raising HDL or good cholesterol levels. 

According to a 2014 study that appeared in Sports Medicine, intense aerobic activity can be as effective as high-intensity exercises when it comes to optimizing cholesterol levels. 

Follow a healthy diet

A diabetes diet that restricts intake of high glycemic foods, as well as unhealthy fats from red meat, processed meat, and fast food, will also help to keep cholesterol levels in check. In addition, you should increase your intake of healthy fats from fish, nuts, and seeds, as well as soluble fiber, which is found in most fresh fruits, oats, beans, and veggies. 

Get Regular Health Checks

Despite efforts to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, diabetes can affect other organs of the body, requiring constant vigilance. This makes it necessary for you to go for regular eye check ups and dental visits. You should also follow a strict foot care routine because of the risk of foot complications associated with diabetes. 

Diabetes can feel overwhelming because of the amount of effort that you need to put into managing blood sugar levels, as well as safeguarding against other complications like high cholesterol, heart disease, and so on. However, taking steps to better manage your health, especially with diet and lifestyle changes, can help to prevent complications, allowing you to enjoy a higher quality of life.