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Understanding cholesterol and triglycerides

If you have diabetes, you are at high risk for heart attack and stroke. But you can fight back. You can control the ABCs of diabetes, learn about the good and the bad cholesterol and triglycerides and the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and live a long and healthy life.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading killer of people with diabetes. Yet, only one in three people with diabetes consider CVD to be a serious complication of diabetes. To lower their risk of heart attack and stroke, people with diabetes need to manage their ABCs:
  • A1C (Blood Glucose)
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cholesterol
People with diabetes should work with their health care team to develop an action plan to bring their ABCs to their target levels. The plan should include weight management through healthy eating and regular physical activity and drug therapy, if needed. You can find more information about how to manage your ABCs in the Healthy Living section.

Cholesterol and triglycerides

Cholesterol is a type of fat (called a lipid) required by your body to work properly. Your body can obtain cholesterol from the food you eat and can also make it by itself.

Cholesterol is carried through the body in two kinds of bundles called lipoproteins (LIPE-o-PRO-teens) -- low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins. It's important to have healthy levels of both.

Despite the negative reputation, fats are an essential source of fuel for the body's metabolic processes and important components of cell membranes. Fat cells insulate the body from cold, aid in the digestion of food, and help to protect the body from injury.

There are 2 major classifications of fats: cholesterol and triglycerides. Too much cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood could build up within the walls of your arteries, forming plaque and restricting blood flow. This condition can lead to heart disease, the number one killer of both men and women around the world. The good news is that you can take steps to bring your cholesterol and triglycerides in line.

There are 4 types of lipids that are most often monitored.
  • Total cholesterol is a measure of all cholesterol in the blood stream.
  • Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are often referred to as “bad cholesterol”.
  • High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are often referred to as “good cholesterol”.
  • Tryglycerides, the other type of fat, come from dietary
Cholesterol – Lipid Profile (mmol/l)
LDL Cholesterol < 2.6 mmol/l
HDL Cholesterol Men > 1.1 mmol/l
HDL Cholesterol Women > 1.2 mmol/l
Triglycerides < 1.7 mmol/l


 
Community Educational Site by Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia (PDM) supported by:    
This website and the information contained herein are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a discussion with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider and must consider the unique characteristics of each patient.