Diabetes and cholesterol

Heart disease is the biggest killer in the UK, and if you have diabetes you have a greater risk of heart disease and stroke.For example, heart disease and stroke (both referred to as cardiovascular disease) accounts for up to three quarters of all deaths in people with diabetes.

Importantly, more than 7 out of every 10 people with Type 2 diabetes have raised cholesterol which can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The good news is that this is often preventable, with appropriate lifestyle changes, disease management and treatment where appropriate. As recommended by Government guidelines and leading UK heart doctors, this includes keeping a careful check on your cholesterol level or 'number'.

Given that you are quite used to managing your diabetes and addressing issues like your diet or taking medication, this should not be too much more to think about. By considering it as a general part of dealing with your diabetes, it could make a big difference to your health.