Cholesterol with Diabetes: A Guide To Living A Healthy Life

Cholesterol with Diabetes are habitually connected together because people with diabetes generally have high cholesterol levels. When a person has high blood sugar levels because of diabetes, it can cause damage to the blood vessels, which can cause an increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) and a reduction in good cholesterol (HDL) levels. This can raise the danger of developing heart disease and other complications. Consequently, it’s significant for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels through a healthy diet, exercise, and medication if required.

In this blog. Rajashree Gadgil a respected nutritionist in Thane mentions that diabetes can contribute to high cholesterol. It can cause HDL, or “good,” cholesterol to decrease and LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol to increase.

Cholesterol with Diabetes

Diabetes tends to lower “good” cholesterol levels (HDL) and raise triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL), increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke. Proper care, a healthy diet, and exercise can help reduce the impact of high cholesterol levels in people with diabetes.

Monitoring both diabetes and cholesterol levels is a matter of being careful about the quantity of cholesterol, carbohydrates, and saturated fats in your diet. Make sure you get enough of the nutrients that can help improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Foods to Avoid with Diabetes and High Cholesterol

• Foods with extra salt or sugar
• Items high in cholesterol
• Foods holding saturated fats, say dairy products, high-fat meat, poultry skin, and oils like palm and coconut.

Unhealthy cholesterol levels can harm your heart health. Rajashree Gadgil a reputed nutritionist in Mumbai and the founder of TRUWELLTH Integrative Health Centers mentioned that undiagnosed or untreated high LDL or “bad” cholesterol can lead to serious problems, such as heart attack and stroke. Accordingly, understanding the most common cholesterol causes is important.

• Eating an unbalanced diet high in fat, especially saturated and trans fats
• A lack of physical activity
• Having overweight or obesity
• Genetic disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia
• Stress
• Some medications and health conditions

Diabetes and High Cholesterol Symptoms

It is important to understand the symptoms of any health issue.

Diabetes Symptoms

• Increased thirst (polydipsia) and dry mouth.
• Frequent urination.
• Blurred vision.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
• Slow-healing sores or cuts.
• Frequent skin and/or vaginal yeast infections.

High Cholesterol Symptoms

• Angina (chest pain)
• Nausea
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or back
• Stroke risk due to plaque buildup
• Skin bumps or discoloration in extreme cases
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) leading to fatigue, difficulty breathing, headaches, vision problems, irregular heartbeats, and chest pains

High Cholesterol and Diabetes What to Eat

Follow a nutritious, balanced diet such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet if you have high cholesterol and diabetes.

• Eat a combination of colorful fruits and vegetables.
• Choose good fats over bad fats and focus on foods low in saturated and trans-fat and cholesterol.
• Increase fiber intake.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Stay physically active.
• Avoid smoking

Type 2 Diabetes Cholesterol Guidelines

• LDL cholesterol levels: <100 mg/dl (2.60 mmol/l)
• HDL cholesterol levels: >40 mg/dl (1.02 mmol/l) in men, >50 mg/dl in women
• Triglyceride levels: <150 mg/dl (1.7 mmol/l)
• Primary treatment strategy: LDL cholesterol lowering to <100 mg/dl
• Monitor liver function before starting statin
• Aim for a 40% reduction in non-HDL cholesterol

Which is Worse: High Cholesterol or Diabetes?

High cholesterol and diabetes have different risks to health. High cholesterol can cause heart disease and stroke, while diabetes can upsurge the peril of kidney problems and other health complications. Both conditions necessitate regular monitoring and management.

How Does Diabetes Cause High Cholesterol?

Diabetes can cause high cholesterol through the following mechanisms:

• Damage to the lining of arteries makes it more likely for cholesterol to stick to them and narrow or block them.
• Lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Higher levels of LDL/non-HDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Increased risk for heart disease and stroke due to these cholesterol changes.

FAQs

How can I lower my blood sugar and cholesterol quickly?

• Eat healthy fats and reduce sources of saturated and trans fats.
• Limit added sugars in your diet.
• Increase your intake of fresh and cooked vegetables.
• Choose whole, nutritious foods over processed options.
• Maintain a moderate weight and engage in regular exercise.
• Opt for foods low on the glycemic index, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Snacks for high cholesterol and diabetes

• Beans and lentils
• High-fiber fruits (such as berries, apples, and pears)
• Whole grains (e.g., oats, quinoa, bulgur, and farro)
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Veggies with hummus
• Yogurt with berries
• Avocado
• Almonds

Conclusion

In case you have diabetes, you have a higher chance of developing high cholesterol. While it’s not completely understood how these two conditions are related, there are ways to keep them both under control. Cholesterol with Diabetes is common, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and monitoring your cholesterol levels when you have diabetes are important ways of managing both conditions. The moment you notice cholesterol symptoms, speak to the best dietitian in Mumbai.