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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
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Everyone has a certain amount of cholesterol – and it's not always a bad thing. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells of the body, including blood. There are two kinds of lipoproteins which carry cholesterol through your body: LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) or "bad cholesterol" and HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins) or "good cholesterol".
Diabetics tend to have more cholesterol abnormalities. These variances can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. By managing your cholesterol, especially lowering LDL cholesterol, you reduce your chance of developing cardiovascular disease and early death. In fact, diabetics who lower their LDL cholesterol can reduce their risk of heart attack by up to 42 percent!
Your health care provider should check your blood fat levels at least once a year. Here's what the results should say:
Sometimes diet and exercise aren't enough to bring cholesterol back to normal, and medication may be needed. Statin drugs are one way your health care provider may try to lower your LDL if it is too high.
Talk to your doctor about getting your blood cholesterol checked and making sure that it’s in control. He or she may suggest the use of statin drugs. Increasing physical activity and healthy food choices are also important to keep your cholesterol in the right range.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Jan 30, 2009
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David C Aron, MD, MS Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Associate Chief of Staff, VA Medical Center Division of Endocrinology School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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