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Diabetes brings along with it many other illnesses. Cholesterol is one such illness that troubles diabetics more than non diabetics. This also leads to heart disease. By controlling cholesterol, not only is your heart disease controlled, but also your blood sugar levels. There are two types of cholesterol – put simply, bad and good. LDL cholesterol is better known as bad cholesterol. It causes the narrowing of blood vessels and can also lead to a blockage in them.

The good cholesterol is HDL cholesterol. It works to keep the blood vessels clean. It removes built up deposits. If your blood vessels were pipes which are blocked by dirt, HDL is the cleaner of that dirt. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is essential for the doctor to check your cholesterol level. Doing a blood test at least once a year is advised.

Ideal levels for LDL cholesterol are below 100 mg/dl and for HDL cholesterol are above 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women. Triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dl. If your blood tests reveal otherwise your doctor may prescribe or change your medication.

To limit your cholesterol, you need to eat less saturated fats. Butter, whole milk, cheese and red meats need to be cut down. With good care of your diet and cooking in the right oil you can rule your life and leave behind the diabetes blues.