Lipids and Diabetes

When you have diabetes, your diet takes center stage. The foods you eat play a role in how well you can control your symptoms. Often paying attention to many other aspects of your health can help you determine if you need to make dietary changes. Lipids, specifically the link between cholesterol and diabetes is one relationship you should be monitoring, with the help of your physician. Here’s what you need to know.

What are Lipids?

Lipids refer to the cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Some cholesterol is necessary for proper bodily functions and your liver provides all that you need. The danger is when you eat the wrong foods and your cholesterol levels get too high. Too much cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries.

Triglycerides are fats in your blood. They come from the foods you eat, primarily meat, dairy products and plant oils. The right amount of triglycerides is important for good health. Levels that are too high increase the risk of heart disease.

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Your Lipid Blood Panel Test

The significance of lipids in diabetes is something to be aware of. If you have diabetes, a regular blood lipid panel test can help you monitor your levels. After fasting, your blood is drawn to measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Keep in mind that people who have diabetes are at a higher risk of death due to heart disease so it’s vital to keep your levels in check and have them tested on a regular basis.

Controlling Cholesterol When You Have Diabetes

Controlling your cholesterol is important, whether you have diabetes or not. However, its additional risks for those with diabetes make it a vital part of your treatment plan. Changes to your diet are the best way to get your levels under control.

Healthy fats are an important component of your meal plan. They are abundant in fish, olive oil, nuts and avocados.

Limit fried foods, packaged baked goods, coconut oil, palm oil and other foods that are high in saturated and trans fats.

Because you also need to watch your sugar intake, focus on fresh vegetables, beans, lean protein and seeds. Make sure you’re also getting plenty of exercise.

Controlling your diabetes means maintaining a healthy cholesterol level and watching your triglycerides. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for your blood lipid test schedule. At the same time, make the right dietary choices to support good health and control your diabetes symptoms.