The Link Between Diabetes and Body Cholesterol Levels

In addition to paying attention to blood sugar levels, diabetics also need to monitor cholesterol levels so they don’t exceed normal limits. What is the relationship between the two? Check out the full explanation below.

The Relationship between Diabetes and High Cholesterol

If you have type 2 diabetes mellitus, then you are also at risk for having high cholesterol. When suffering from diabetes, the body cannot use glucose effectively so that the body experiences a buildup of glucose in the blood.

High blood glucose can damage blood vessel walls. This condition will make cholesterol easier to stick.

Cholesterol is a substance with slippery and oily characteristics that is present in the blood. This substance becomes the raw material for the outside of cells and helps the body make several vitamins and hormones.

However, when the amount is excessive in the blood, cholesterol can cause health problems.

There are three types of cholesterol in the body, namely LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol, and triglycerides.

American Heart Association (AHA) states that diabetes can cause a condition called diabetic dyslipidemia. This condition is associated with a low amount of HDL cholesterol and an increase in the amount of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

When LDL cholesterol is too high and HDL is low, plaque will form which narrows blood vessels and blocks blood flow. Damage to the walls of blood vessels will make more LDL stick.

As a result, people with diabetes will have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, when the amount of triglycerides is too high, this condition will have an adverse effect on health.

Also Read: Various Benefits of Shallots for Diabetics

Tips for Overcoming Cholesterol for Diabetics

If you have diabetes and have high cholesterol, it is important to treat both of these conditions so that your risk of developing heart disease can be reduced.

Here are some steps you can take to help deal with cholesterol, including:

1. Undergo a Healthy Diet

Diet has an important role in controlling cholesterol and blood sugar. Research states that people who reduce their consumption of saturated fat and eat some healthy foods experience a decrease in LDL cholesterol by 22-33 percent in one month.

Experts recommend eating a diet rich in fiber and minimally processed, such as fruit, nuts, vegetables and whole grains.

Some foods that can be consumed include: avocado, barleysoybeans, blueberries, salmon, and olive oil.

You need to avoid foods that are high in salt and sugar. In addition, it is important to avoid foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat.

2. Regular exercise

Exercise also has an important role in maintaining health. People with diabetes are advised to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

If you’re having trouble finding exercise time, you can try moving around in the middle of an activity, such as taking the stairs on your way to work or taking a walk after lunch.

You can exercise by walking, swimming, cycling or jogging. Choose a physical activity that you enjoy so that your exercise commitment can last longer.

Exercise can not only lower LDL and blood sugar, but it can also increase HDL.

Also Read: Reasons for Obese People at Higher Risk of Diabetes

3. Consumption of drugs according to doctor’s recommendations

In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor may also recommend that you take drugs to treat cholesterol.

Make sure you tell your doctor about your medical history and medications you’ve taken. After being given the drug, follow the rules for use according to the recommendations that have been given.

Diabetes can cause high LDL cholesterol in the body. If left unchecked, the risk of heart disease will also increase.

Overcoming cholesterol and diabetes both require a commitment to lifestyle changes. Therefore, you need to take it seriously because controlling blood sugar can help control cholesterol and improve overall health.

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