Connecting the dots: Does having higher cholesterol levels cause diabetes?

High cholesterol is not a direct precursor of diabetes; however, there is a definite relationship between high cholesterol levels and diabetes. So for now, it’s a case of “which came first, the chicken or the egg”…

Having high cholesterol, particularly a condition called “diabetic dyslipidemia,” is associated with insulin resistance, which is a key factor in Type 2 diabetes. It does appear through research that one affects the other and vice versa. Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by a triad that includes low HDL-C, high LDL-C, and high triglycerides.

This is the third blog post on cholesterol health.  To learn about the different types of cholesterol and how cholesterol affects our whole body, not just the heart, click the links included.

If there is no dyslipidemia, meaning that all cholesterol numbers are within the normal range, would likely help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. 

Seeing that dyslipidemias appear to be a precursor for Type 2 diabetes, it stands to reason that having no dyslipidemia, or having all cholesterol numbers in the normal range, would likely help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

There is an increased risk for cardiovascular disease with diabetes. Diabetes has been determined to be a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor. So just like smoking and inactivity, diabetes predisposes you to CHD. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from a coronary event. Women with diabetes were even more likely to die following a coronary event. Research in this area has been replicated and is reliable.

And what about Type 1 diabetes?

Blood glucose control seems to make the greatest difference in Type 1 diabetes patients. Having blood glucose in your target range will get a person with Type 1 diabetes very close to normal as far as cholesterol levels are concerned. People with Type 1 diabetes who are not managed well have increased triglycerides and also they have lower HDL-C, or “good” cholesterol. These two things contribute to cardiovascular disease in Type 1 diabetics.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, can help manage both high cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes.