Diet, Exercise, and Other Tips
pop in 2 diabetesoften goes hand-in-hand with unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Total Carbohydrates
There are several types of carbs: Of particular importance are complex carbs (a.k.a.
starches), found in foods like legumes, whole grains, starchy vegetables, pasta, and bread.
Verywell / Brooke Pelczynski
Simple carbs are, simply, sugars.
Especially for people with diabetes, avoiding simple carbs in favor of complex carbs is particularly important.
It’s used in margarine, processed snack foods and baked goods, and for frying.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Eat More Fiber
Fiber is the part of plants that can’t be digested.
These are rich in fiber (as well as phytonutrients that can further help protect your overall health).
But when it comes to dietary fat, not all types are created equal.
You may even be able to cut down on yourmedications.
Exercise also has been found to help lower total cholesterol levels.
In studies, a combination of aerobic exercise and strength-training has been found ideal.
You’ll gain even more benefits by being active at least 300 minutes (five hours) per week.
Add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity at least two days per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes can contribute to high cholesterol, a condition called diabetic dyslipidemia.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Cleveland Clinic.Cholesterol: High cholesterol diseases.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cholesterol from you.
Health.gov.Dietary guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020, eighth edition.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture.2020 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
American Heart Association.Saturated fat.
American Heart Association.Get to know grains: Why you need them, and what to look for.
Brown J, Buscemi J, Milsom V, Malcom R, et.
2012;12:704. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-704
American Heart Association.American heart association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids.
Zhang Y, Chen LF Wu WL, et al.
ASSA14-13-01Cigarette smoking-induced LDL dysfunction is partially reversible after smoking cessation.Heart.2015;101:A40-A41.
doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307109.107
American Heart Association.Cholesterol and diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes risk factors.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for high cholesterol.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
