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In the ABCs of
Diabetes, 'C' Stands for Cholesterol
(ARA) - By now, most of us know
that high cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease. We also
know that we need to moderate or reduce our intake of fat and
get our levels checked periodically by means of a simple blood
test. The goal? To reduce the risk of heart disease, the number
one killer of people with diabetes.
What many people don't know is
that if you have diabetes, you can't play by the same rules as
everyone else. When it comes to cholesterol, what's considered
"low enough" for someone without diabetes is still
considered "too high" for someone with diabetes. So
you may need to work even harder at lowering your numbers.
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There are two main kinds of cholesterol
that you need to know about: LDL, the "bad" kind that
leads to clogged arteries; and HDL, the "good" cholesterol
that removes excess cholesterol from the blood. Triglycerides
are another type of fat in your blood that can cause problems.
The American Diabetes Association
recommends the following goals for people with diabetes: |
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LDL cholesterol -- below 100 mg/dl
HDL cholesterol -- above 40 mg/dl
Triglycerides -- below 150 mg/dl
How do you reduce your bad numbers
and increase your good numbers? Here are some steps:
- Use less butter, margarine and
other fats when cooking.
- Choose low-fat diary products
and whole-grain breads and cereals.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Eat small servings of meat,
fish and poultry.
- Try to exercise for 30 minutes
most days.
- Follow your health provider's
instructions for taking medicine.
Remember, when it comes to the
ABCs of diabetes -- A1C,
Blood
Pressure and Cholesterol -- the message is the
same: Know your numbers, and work to keep them within a healthy
range. |
