Why is it important for diabetics to manage their cholesterol levels?

Managing cholesterol levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes primarily to lower the risk of heart disease. Diabetes, particularly type 2, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. High cholesterol can exacerbate this risk by contributing to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. As a result, individuals with diabetes often face a double jeopardy when it comes to heart health, since they may already have underlying insulin resistance and other factors that increase cardiovascular risk.

Proper management of cholesterol involves keeping LDL (bad) cholesterol low and HDL (good) cholesterol levels adequately high, as this promotes better overall cardiovascular health. By actively managing cholesterol, diabetic individuals can make significant strides in reducing the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart conditions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and quality of life.