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Patients with Diabetes and High Cholesterol
Patients with diabetes are at a greater risk for high cholesterol and other health complications than those without diabetes. The good news is that there are measures you can take as a patient to help reduce your risk and keep your diabetes under control. In this article, we will discuss how managing your cholesterol readouts can help you maintain an overall healthier lifestyle and keep the diabetes in check.
Know the Risks
High cholesterol is a risk factor for developing serious health issues, like heart disease and stroke. In addition to these risks, high cholesterol can worsen diabetes and make it harder to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes are susceptible to higher cholesterol levels due to a variety of factors. Genetics, lifestyle, and diet all influence cholesterol levels.
What Patients Can Do
Patients with diabetes should get their cholesterol tested each year to stay on top of their readouts. With the help of your doctor, you can make a plan to keep your cholesterol down. Eating a diet low in saturated fat, exercising more frequently and leading a healthy lifestyle are all great first steps. Lowering stress levels, quitting smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation can also help.
Medication and Supplements
If eating healthy isn’t enough to keep your cholesterol under control, your doctor may decide to prescribe a medication or supplement. Statins are a commonly prescribed medication for patients with diabetes to help lower their cholesterol. Patients can also opt to take supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, and niacin to help reduce their cholesterol levels.
Regular Checkups
Regular checkups with your doctor are the best way to keep your cholesterol in check and maintain your diabetes management plan. Your doctor will be able to provide an up-to-date evaluation of your health, including your cholesterol levels. Meeting with a dietician or nutritionist is another great way to get ideas for keeping yourself healthy and managing your cholesterol.
Conclusion
High cholesterol is a common issue for patients with diabetes, but there are measures you can take as a patient to keep your cholesterol levels under control. Eating a healthy diet, exercising frequently, and speaking to your doctor about medication and supplements can all help manage your cholesterol. Most importantly, make sure to keep up with regular checkups and evaluations to ensure that the diabetes and cholesterol are in check.