Control Blood Fats and Exercise: The Old Story Retold of Diabetes

 

 

 

Dr. Walairat Jariyasatepong
Specialist in Diabetes and Endocrinology

 

 

     A simple blood test conducted in the laboratory can reveal a great deal of information. One of the primary tests is the Complete Blood Count (CBC), which can help detect conditions such as anemia, infections, leukemia, or exposure to toxins. Additionally, it provides insights into nutritional deficiencies and blood lipid levels, aiding physicians in diagnosing hyperlipidemia (high blood lipid levels).

 

Hyperlipidemia

Physicians assess lipid levels in the blood by measuring cholesterol, which is divided into two main types:

 

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – often referred to as the “bad cholesterol”
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – regarded as the “good cholesterol”, another important lipid is triglycerides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hyperlipidemia: A Critical Concern in Diabetic Patients

     High blood lipid levels in individuals with diabetes differ from those in the general population. Even a slight elevation in triglyceride levels exceeding 150 mg/dL can significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke.
 

     In cases where triglyceride levels are exceedingly high, there is an increased risk of acute pancreatitis. Of particular concern is LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, which is commonly found at elevated levels in diabetic patients. For these individuals, the target LDL level is less than 100 mg/dL.

 

Plaque Buildup

     High LDL levels lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, gradually thickening the arterial walls and eventually causing arterial stenosis. Diabetic patients are more susceptible to these changes compared to non-diabetics.

 

Health Risks Associated with Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients

When LDL cholesterol accumulates and causes arterial blockage, several serious health conditions may arise, including:

 

• Cerebrovascular disease (ischemic stroke): may result in paralysis, muscle weakness, or numbness in the limbs.
• Heart disease: such as coronary artery disease, may lead to acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).
• Diabetic foot ulcers: caused by arterial stenosis in the lower extremities, leading to pain, numbness while walking, and poor circulation. This may result in chronic ulcers and, in severe cases, require amputation.

 

 

Read more: Diabetic Foot Ulcers – Proper Treatment May Prevent Amputation

 

 

 

 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sitha Pongpiboon
Expert in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Exercise Medicine

 

Can Exercise Help Reduce Diabetes?

In addition to medication, diabetic patients must engage in self-care through two primary approaches:

 

• Dietary management: to stabilize blood glucose levels
• Regular exercise: acts as a natural remedy for diabetes. Exercise enhances cellular sensitivity to insulin. Since insulin facilitates the transport of glucose into cells, improved insulin sensitivity leads to better diabetes control and improved average blood sugar (HbA1c) levels.

 

Sustainable Benefits of Exercise

     Exercise not only improves cardiovascular fitness but also enhances overall physical capacity. It may reduce the need for medication. Moreover, if coronary artery disease is present, exercise helps strengthen the heart, lower blood lipid levels, and increase levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

 

Treatment and Self-Care for Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients

There are three primary approaches to treating diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia:

 

• Dietary control
• Exercise
• Medication

 

 

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Dietary management focuses on maintaining a healthy body weight and ensuring a balanced intake of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are the Ideal Blood Lipid Levels?

For diabetic patients, the following lipid levels are recommended:

 

• Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL
• Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: greater than 40 mg/dL for men, and greater than 50 mg/dL for women
• LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL

 

 

 

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To effectively manage diabetes, patients should undergo regular blood testing to monitor blood glucose, HbA1c, and lipid levels at least once every 2–3 months.

 

 

Read more: Does Exercise Reduce the Risk of Diabetes?