How cholesterol and diabetes, which are two important things for your heart health, may affect your health and cholesterol. A short guide:
1. Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like thing that your body needs to make healthy cells¹. But, too much cholesterol can make your risk of heart disease higher¹. Cholesterol moves through your blood, stuck to proteins, making lipoproteins¹. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is called the “bad cholesterol,” because it makes the chance of heart problems higher¹. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), on the other hand, is called the “good cholesterol” because it lowers the chance¹.
2. Diabetes: Diabetes is when your body cannot control blood sugar levels well¹. When blood sugar levels are always high, it can hurt blood vessels and make your risk of heart disease higher¹.
3. The Connection: Diabetes makes “good” cholesterol levels lower and triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol levels higher, which makes the risk for heart disease and stroke higher¹³. This is called diabetic dyslipidemia¹³. Diabetic dyslipidemia means your lipid profile is bad¹³. It’s a mix that makes people at risk for early coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis¹³.
4. How to Manage: Managing both things with a good diet, regular exercise, and pills if needed, can help make the risk of heart disease lower¹²³⁴.
In summary, high cholesterol and diabetes are both bad things that can cause heart disease and stroke. But, with changing your habits and medical help, they can be controlled well.
(Note: This is a general guide and different people might need different things. Always talk to a doctor for advice that is right for you.)
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