Checking Cholesterol

People with diabetes should have their blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked at least once every year.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body produces naturally. It is also found in some foods. But high levels of a form of cholesterol called LDL cholesterol (or "bad cholesterol") in your blood put you at greater risk for heart disease. Since having diabetes already puts you at risk, it's especially important to keep your cholesterol levels down.

Triglycerides are another type of fat found in your bloodstream that can increase your risk of developing heart disease when levels are too high.

Your doctor can check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels by taking a sample of blood, which is sent to a lab for analysis. The profile shows your triglyceride level, total cholesterol level, HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or "good cholesterol") and LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad cholesterol") levels.

After a meal, blood triglyceride levels are normally high. So to get an accurate measurement of your triglyceride levels, your doctor will recommend that your blood be tested after an overnight fast.

Your doctor may ask you to exercise and follow a diet low in fat (particularly saturated fat) to help reduce your risk for heart disease.

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