Type 2 Diabetes - High HDL Cholesterol Can Help Control Diabetes Directly

World Wide Web | Type 2 Diabetes - High HDL Cholesterol Can Help Control Diabetes Directly | High density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as the "good" kind of cholesterol, is well-known for helping to prevent the heart and blood vessel disease that can be a complication of Type 2 diabetes. Now, according to research from the University of Florence, it appears HDL could also help to control Type 2 diabetes directly.

This study was published in the medical journal Acta Diabetology in October 2011 and included 1,087 people at risk for developing full-blown Type 2 diabetes.

blood sugar,

HDL cholesterol, and

insulin levels

were measured.

The people who were insensitive to insulin were classified as having impaired tolerance for sugar. Among those with impaired tolerance for sugar, those with the highest HDL levels, also had the highest levels of insulin.

From these results it was concluded HDL levels should be checked in people who are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

There are basically two types of cholesterol, the low density or LDL, and HDL...

LDL is the kind associated with clogged arteries, while

HDL is associated with keeping the arteries open by removing the plaques of LDL that can cling to arterial walls.

HDL is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which is also good for the walls of your arteries. Your...

total cholesterol should be below 200.

LDL levels should be below 100, and

HDL levels should be above 60.

To put it another way, HDL should make up about one-third of the amount of total cholesterol.

Eating a diet low in animal fats will keep cholesterol levels below 200. Fats found in meats and dairy foods make for high cholesterol levels. Replacing butter and lard with more healthful liquid vegetable oils, such as virgin olive oil, can help to lower your total cholesterol and LDL levels.

Exercise is known to increase levels of HDL, possibly by increasing the levels of certain enzymes in the liver. Normalizing weight, not smoking, and drinking small amounts of alcohol can also help to raise HDL levels. Stopping smoking can raise HDL levels by as much as 15 to 20 per cent, or as much as some medications.

If lifestyle modifications are inadequate, medications can be used to improve cholesterol. Statins are helpful for people with high LDL and low HDL. Fibrates are often used to treat people who have low HDL levels and high triglycerides.

Alcohol can be used to raise HDL levels and is safe in moderation. Its drawbacks are its high calorie count and its ability to cause:

• addiction,
• vitamin deficiency,
• nerve damage,
• liver damage, and
• anemia

if used in excess. The American Heart Association recommends drinking no more than two to six ounces of wine each night for an average adult.

Type 2 diabetes is no longer a condition you must just live with. It need not slowly and inevitably get worse. You can take control of this disease... and take back your health and your life.

Article Source: EzineArticles