WHAT IS IT?
Cholesterol are small bits of fat or lipids that circulate around your body and is used for essential body functions. There are many different types, but some are particularly important
High Density Lipids (HDL) (GOOD)
Low Density Lipids (LDL) (BAD)
Triglycerides (BAD)
LDL is very sticky and tends to build up in fatty deposits inside your blood vessels, making it difficult for your blood to flow round. This is “bad” Cholesterol.
HDL is like cleaning fluid and helps prevent fatty deposits build up and generally keep your vessels free from obstruction. This is “good cholesterol”.
Too much LDL compared with HDL increases the chance of having heart problems and strokes.
Both are essential, but if you have been diagnosed with raised levels of LDL or total cholesterol level in your blood it means you have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and suffering a heart attack.
The LDL and Trigs contribute to atherosclerosis (plaque) in the vessels increasing risk of heart disease and thrombosis etc. People with diabetes have a very adverse lipid profile, particularly if diabetes control is poor, this means they have high levels of LDL and TRIGs.
To minimise your risk of getting heart disease or worsening it, you would need to keep your total cholesterol level below 5mmols/L
Recent research shows that a level nearer 3.5mmols/l may be a safer level.
WHAT DOES A HIGH CHOLESTEROL MEAN?
A high cholesterol level is usually referred to as hyperlidaemia or hypercholesterolaemia and is a risk factor for CHD.
The level of cholesterol that is considered high for you will depend partly on whether you have any other risk factors for heart disease, for example high blood pressure (hypertension), a family history of heart disease and whether you are overweight or smoke.
Your doctor will be able to advise you of your current and ideal cholesterol level.
Cholesterol Target Level: to reduce you risk of getting a heart attack the total cholesterol level should be below 5mmol/l.
Recent research has shown that a level nearer 3.5mmol/l may be better.
People with diabetes with high cholesterol levels will be offered treatment with fat lowering drugs Statins or Fibrates
FEW TIPS ON REDUCING YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Many factors can affect your cholesterol level and your risk of heart disease. In some people a high cholesterol level may be due to hereditary factors (your genetic make-up), however your body weight, diet and activity levels can also affect your cholesterol level and risk of heart disease.
The best approach is therefore:
Lose weight if you are overweight / obese. Seek advice about diet and physical activity to help you make changes.
Eat oily fish, such as sardines, herring, mackerel, pilchards and salmon at least once a week.
A low fat diet can help lower blood cholesterol level and levels of other blood fats. Cutting back on saturated (animal) fat can help to lower cholesterol (particularly the bad LDL cholesterol) and reducing sugar and alcohol intake can help to lower triglyceride levels.
Choosing oils and spreads based on vegetable or olive oils instead of butter reduces saturated fat intake. Choosing reduced fat varieties of milk, cheese, yoghurts
Limiting your intake of cakes, biscuits, confectionary and pastries.
Using low fat cooking methods (such a grilling, boiling, poaching, steaming, oven-baking, stir-frying) will all reduce your overall fat intake, including saturated fat. Reducing your fat intake will help you to lose weight.
If you are already a healthy weight you may want to eat more starchy foods such as breads, cereals, rice pasta and potatoes (preferably high fibre varieties) to help maintain your weight.
Or, rather than reduce total fat intake, you could replace the ‘unhealthy’ saturated fat with ‘healthy’ unsaturated fats – such as those found in nuts, seeds, vegetable- and olive-based oils and spreads.
MORE TIPS ON REDUCING YOUR CHOLESTROL LEVELS AND EATING HEALTHY ON THIS WEBSITE
Balanced Eating
Leicester Nutrition and Dietetic NHS Website where you will find dietary guidelines under resources.
Ref: LNDS, Personal Diabetes handbook
|
