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Experts urge diabetics to manage their cholesterol levels

Category: Diabetes

Diabetics may have more to worry about than just their blood sugar levels. Experts say that these individuals should also consider cholesterol testing, as cardiovascular complications stemming from high cholesterol are very common.

Helena Rodbard, the former president of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, said that individuals should follow the "ABCs" of managing diabetes, which stands for A1c testing, blood pressure management and cholesterol testing.

"As a physician, I know that managing diabetes and cardiovascular disease go hand in hand since heart disease and stroke are complications of diabetes," she said. "Lowering cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke."

She added that patients should develop plans with their healthcare providers for managing cholesterol levels. These plans could include making lifestyle changes like eating healthier or getting more exercise or they may involve taking cholesterol-lowering medications.

Diabetics are known to have higher rates of heart disease and cardiovascular death than the general population. In order to avoid these problems, it is important to manage risk factors like high cholesterol.