The Link between Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Heart Disease

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that happens when your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose (a form of sugar) to enter all the cells of your body and be used as energy. When you have diabetes, glucose builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Too much glucose in the blood for a long time can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys.

Why should people with diabetes be worried about cholesterol and heart disease?
The biggest problem for people with diabetes is heart attack and stroke. Most people with diabetes have other health problems (or risk factors) such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. This raises your risk for heart attack and stroke even more. People with diabetes can reduce their risk for heart disease by managing their diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats that are made in your body. They are also found in foods. You need some cholesterol for good health, but too much is not good for you. Cholesterol and triglycerides can clog your blood vessels.

What is the link between certain types of cholesterol and heart disease?

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol: The higher the LDL level in your blood, the greater the chance you have of getting heart disease.
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) or "good" cholesterol: The higher your HDL level, the lower your chance for getting heart disease.
• Triglycerides: A high triglyceride level can lead to a buildup of plaque on the inside of your arteries (atherosclerosis).

What can you do to help prevent heart disease?

• Eat foods that are low in fat and salt.
• Be physically active.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Follow your doctor's advice for taking medicine.
• Keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.

Work with your doctor to figure out your risk for heart disease. Let your doctor check your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. A1C (also known as hemoglobin A1c) is a test that shows what your average blood glucose was during the past two to three months. Have this test done at least twice a year. At least once a year, have a blood test to see how much cholesterol is in your blood. Let your doctor check your blood pressure at every visit. Ask your doctor what your test showed and what your targets should be. Take steps to reduce the factors that put you at risk for heart disease, and track your progress with the help of your doctor.

Where can you find more information?*
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/
1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)

*This is not a CVS Caremark organization or Web site. CVS Caremark is not responsible for the content. This listing does not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by CVS Caremark. This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about the information you find.

Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol Goals for People with Diabetes