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Cholesterol and Diabetes

Written by NatalieTeaff R.Ph. Drug Information
Specialist Rite Aid Health Solutions

Did you know that a major risk factor of diabetes is heart disease? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, many people who have diabetes do not realize that they are at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke due to abnormal cholesterol levels such as increased triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and/or high LDL (bad) cholesterol.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following target cholesterol goals for people with diabetes:

• LDL (low density lipoprotein or “bad”) cholesterol: below 100mg/dl
• HDL (high density lipoprotein or “good”) cholesterol: greater than 50mg/dl for women; greater than 40mg/dl for men
• Triglycerides: less than 150mg/dl

The good news is that there are lifestyle changes you can make to help get your cholesterol to goal levels and decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke. These changes can also help you attain better control of your blood glucose and blood pressure.

Changing your behavior to adopt a healthier lifestyle is not always easy. The following recommendations can help you begin taking the steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

1. Make better food choices:

• Decrease fat intake, especially saturated fats.
• Use low fat or fat free dairy products.
• Use oils such as canola and olive oil.
• Choose lean meats such as skinless poultry, lean beef and pork.
• Decrease intake of foods that are high in cholesterol (e.g. egg yolks, high fat meats and organ meats).
• Increase intake of foods high in fiber (e.g. fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods).
• Employ cooking techniques that decrease added fats (e.g. baking, grilling, roasting, and use of cooking sprays).

2. Watch your weight. Lose weight if you are overweight. Make the necessary changes in your diet to maintain your weight if it is where your physician recommends your weight should be. The American Heart Association recommends a low saturated fat / low cholesterol diet where less than 7% of the daily calories come from saturated fat, with less than 200 mg of cholesterol, and with enough calories to maintain your desired weight.

3. Increase activity (exercise). Increasing your activity can help raise HDL, lower LDL and triglycerides, and help strengthen your heart. Discuss with your physician what appropriate activities are best for you and slowly work up to what your physician deems best for you.

4. Limit alcohol intake. If your physician recommends that it is okay for you to consume alcoholic beverages, it is best to limit your intake to one serving per day for women and two servings per day for men.

5. Quit smoking. Smoking has been shown to decrease HDL.

6. Keep your blood glucose levels within range. The ADA recommends the following blood glucose ranges for non-pregnant patients with diabetes:

Before meals: 90-130mg/dl.
Peak after a meal (1-2 hours after the START of a meal): less than 180mg/dl.

If lifestyle changes do not get your cholesterol down to the recommended levels, your physician may prescribe medication to assist you in your endeavor to achieve your goals.

Your Rite Aid Pharmacist is available to discuss healthier lifestyle options and medications. We want to help you live a happier, healthier life.

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