Managing Cholesterol with Diabetes

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Learn about the 3 main parts of cholesterol - triglycerides (trigs) good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL) and how they affect your heart. Not managing all three parts can increase your risk of a heart attack and stroke. With our partner GetTheCholesterolFacts.com, learn more about what you can do to lower your risk.

Diabetes is considered to be a strong independent risk factor for heart disease.
This means Diabetes greatly increases the risk of developing heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any other risk factors.
Diabetes is considered to be a strong independent risk factor for unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Learn how taking care of just bad cholesterol (LDL), but not good cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (trigs) may put you at risk for a heart attack. It's important to address all three.
Find out what you can do to lower your risk.
Learn all you can to lower your risk, understand your numbers, and work with your physician to improve your heart health.

Three main parts of your cholesterol

*Your LDL cholesterol goal depends on how many other risk factors you have, such as your age, family history, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, or low HDL. In general, LDL goal is less than 160 mg/dL if you have one or no risk factors; LDL goal less than 130 mg/dL if you have 2 or more risk factors; and LDL goal less than 100 mg/dL if you have coronary heart disease or diabetes. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and LDL goal.
**Optimal LDL & Trigs or target HDL levels (mg/dL) according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Important Notice: Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care issues.

DOC16587-Rev-A 10/08

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