Target cholesterol level and type 2 diabetes

Having type 2 diabetes puts you at greater-than-average risk for developing heart problems associated with high cholesterol. People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely than people who don't have diabetes to die from heart and blood vessel diseases.¹

Many experts recommend an LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol) level of 100 mg/dL or less. This very low cholesterol target typically can only be achieved by taking lipid-lowering medicines.

Those doctors who advocate LDL levels less than 100 mg/dL believe that the risk of death from heart disease is sufficient to recommend that all people with diabetes take lipid-lowering medicines. But some experts believe that if healthy eating habits and exercise are enough to lower a person's LDL to between 100 and 130 mg/dL, then additional medicines and their possible side effects may not be worth the benefits. Also, if you are younger than 35, the long-term effects of taking these medicines for more than 10 years have not been extensively studied. Because your risk of developing CAD at a young age is statistically low, the risk reduction you may receive from lipid-lowering medicines may not justify the risk of side effects.

Citations

1. American Diabetes Association (2004). Aspirin therapy in diabetes. Clinical Practice Recommendations 2004. Diabetes Care, 27(Suppl 1): S72–S73.