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Diabetes: Cholesterol control

Persons with diabetes are at increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Lowering cholesterol levels can reduce the risk for heart attacks in all patients - especially in patients with diabetes.

There are two types of cholesterol: good and bad. "Bad cholesterol" can build up and block the flow of blood through your body. This can cause a heart attack or stroke. The medical term for "bad cholesterol" is "LDL." The bad cholesterol (LDL) goal for most patients with diabetes is less than 100.

To have excellent control of your cholesterol, you must pay close attention to your diet, control your portion sizes, and get regular exercise. In addition to this, your doctor may prescribe medication that you must take regularly.

You can work with your doctor to understand your diabetes, cholesterol, and to stay healthy. This will help you feel better and lower your chances of having heart disease, a stroke, or other problems.

If you have diabetes, make sure you get regular check-ups that include the following tests:

• Blood pressure check
• Blood test for A1c. This test shows the average blood sugar level for 2 to 3 months.
• Blood test for cholesterol level. This test shows the level of cholesterol, a fat, waxy-like substance, in your blood.
• Eye exam
• Blood and urine tests to check how the kidneys are working

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually is first diagnosed during childhood. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not respond as it should to insulin. Both adults and children can get type 2 diabetes.

Who is at risk for diabetes?
Almost everyone knows someone who has diabetes. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

• Older age
• Being overweight or obese
• Family history of diabetes
• Having diabetes during a pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes.
• Higher than normal levels of blood sugar. This is called impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetes.
• Not exercising enough

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are less clear than they are for type 2 diabetes. Family history, genetics, and problems with the body’s system for fighting infection give a higher risk for type 1 diabetes.

This measure shows the percent of patients with diabetes in each practice who had "bad cholesterol" or "LDL" in the controlled range. A higher score for this measure is better. Controlled cholesterol is generally considered as an LDL less than 100.

If your doctor's office is not listed it means there was not enough information available to report this measure.

Why it is important:
The results of your blood test lets you and your doctor know if your "bad cholesterol" is too high. If it is too high, talk with your doctor about what you can do to lower it. Patients and physicians need to work together to develop a plan of care that will work well in controlling your LDL levels. This may include using a medicine to lowering your cholesterol in addition to diet and exercise.

What you and your doctor should do:
Good control of your cholesterol requires a partnership. Your doctor cannot do it alone. Your doctor should order the blood test to check your LDL level and talk with you about the results. It is your responsibility to follow up and get the test done. You should also pay close attention to your diet, control your portion sizes, and get regular exercise between visits to your doctor.

How does diabetes affect our community?

• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 8.6% of adults have diabetes in the Kansas City region.
• In 2003, Kansas City (MO) hospital admissions with diabetes as the principal diagnosis resulted in 5,440 days of care provided with hospital charges over $17 million.

Find information and tools to help you manage your diabetes