People with diabetes are at greater risk for developing coronary heart disease. Factors other than diabetes which raise the risk for CHD include:
It is recommended that everyone, especially those with diabetes, have their blood lipid levels measured regularly, adults 20 years of age and older at least once every 5 years.
The following lipid classifications were presented in the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)*.
| Cholesterol Level | Classification |
|---|---|
| < 200 mg/dl | Desirable blood cholesterol |
| 200-239 mg/dl | Borderline high blood cholesterol |
| >/= 240 mg/dl | High blood cholesterol |
HDL Cholesterol
| Cholesterol Level | Classification |
|---|---|
| < 40 mg/dl | Low HDL cholesterol |
| > 60 mg/dl | High HDL cholesterol (desirable) |
LDL Cholesterol
| Cholesterol Level | Classification |
|---|---|
| < 100 mg/dl | Optimal (Recommended for people with CHD or diabetes.) |
| < 130 mg/dl | Desirable |
| 100-129 mg/dl | Near or above optimal |
| 130-159 mg/dl | Borderline high |
| 160-189 mg/dl | High |
| > 190 mg/dl | Very high |
Elevated levels of triglycerides (TGs) are also a risk factor for CHD, and often accompany a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The NCEP's Third Report makes the following classifications:
Triglycerides
| Triglyceride Level | Classification |
|---|---|
| < 150 mg/dl | Normal triglycerides |
| 150-199 mg/dl | Borderline-high triglycerides |
| 200-499 mg/dl | High triglycerides |
| > 500 mg/dl | Very high triglycerides |
Total cholesterol levels don't tell the whole story. A high LDL cholesterol level will increase your CHD risk, but a low HDL cholesterol level will also increase CHD risk. A good way to gauge your risk is to consider your cholesterol ratios:
Total cholesterol/HDL-C is best below 4.
LDL-C/HDL-C is best below 3.
Your healthcare provider will select treatment based on your CHD risk factors and your lipid profile. Individuals with desirable cholesterol levels do not need active medical therapy for blood lipids, but should obtain information on diet and exercise and be evaluated in 5 years. Patients at high risk may warrant drug therapy in addition to diet modification and exercise therapy. Those at lower risk can be treated with diet and exercise alone.