Diabetes and High Cholesterol: Understanding the Link

Even if you manage your blood sugar well, diabetes can still increase your risk of high cholesterol. Let’s understand why this happens and how you can protect your health.

Cholesterol isn’t all bad—it’s essential for hormone production, bile creation, fat metabolism, and vitamin D absorption. It moves through the body via lipoproteins:

• HDL (Good Cholesterol): Carries cholesterol to the liver for disposal.
  
  

• LDL (Bad Cholesterol): Deposits cholesterol in arteries, forming plaques that can block blood flow and lead to heart attacks or strokes.
  
  

Your body naturally produces cholesterol, but consuming foods rich in saturated and trans fats increases LDL levels, narrowing arteries and raising heart disease risk.

Why Diabetes Raises Cholesterol

 Type 2 diabetes often causes high triglycerides and low HDL, a condition called diabetes dyslipidemia. Poorly managed blood sugar worsens this imbalance. Additionally, diabetics have smaller, denser LDL particles that easily stick to artery walls, leading to plaque buildup.

Managing High Cholesterol in Diabetes

 To protect your heart, you must control both blood sugar and cholesterol. A fiber-rich, low-GI diet, combined with at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise, supports weight loss and improves lipid levels. In some cases, doctors may prescribe statins or other medications.

Prevention and Healthy Lifestyle

Avoid foods high in saturated fats, processed meats, fried items, and sugary alcohol. Instead, eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Quit smoking, exercise regularly, manage stress, and maintain healthy weight.

Ultimately, reversing diabetes with a balanced diet and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce high cholesterol risk.

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https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/diabetes-and-high-cholesterol-what%E2%80%99s-the-connection/2943