Living with Diabetes

Managing your cholesterol and other blood lipids (also called blood fats) can help you prevent other problems. If your blood lipids are off target, your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke goes up. Managing blood lipids includes both lifestyle changes (such as choosing foods wisely) and, sometimes, taking medicine. You can take steps to manage your blood lipids.

What are the different kinds of blood lipids and what do they do?

There are several kinds of lipids in your blood.

• LDL cholesterol is sometimes called bad cholesterol. It can narrow or block your blood vessels. Blocked vessels can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Reaching your LDL target is the best way to protect your heart and blood vessels.
• HDL cholesterol is sometimes called good cholesterol. It helps remove deposits from the insides of your blood vessels and keeps your blood vessels from getting blocked.
• Triglycerides are another kind of lipid. High triglycerides raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

How does diabetes affect my blood lipids?

Many people with diabetes also have low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides. But if you take steps to keep these numbers within the target range, you’ll lower your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How will I know if my blood lipid levels are off target?

A blood test can tell you whether your lipid levels are off target. TheAmerican Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that you have your levels checked at least once a year if you have diabetes or if your lipid numbers are off-target. Have your blood tested at least every 5 years if you don’t have diabetes and your numbers are on target.

What are the recommended targets for blood lipids? 

• LDL cholesterol below 100, but if you already have heart and blood vessel disease, your target is below 70 
• HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dl for men and above 50 mg/dl for women
• Triglycerides below 150

What treatments are recommended?

Both lifestyle changes and medicines help control blood lipids. Treatment differs from one person to the next. Some people can reach their blood lipid targets with lifestyle changes like healthy eating and physical activity. Other people need lifestyle changes plus medicines. Work with your health care provider to find a treatment that’s right for you.

Learn More about heart disease and stroke from the Reducing Cardiometabolic Risk Toolkit