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.

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:

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.