Cholesterol levels and type 1 diabetes
Content provided by Healthwise
Cholesterol levels and type 1 diabetes
Cholesterol (or lipid) problems in people with type 1 diabetes are usually related to the lack of insulin.
- Lack of insulin increases the level of triglycerides. Normally, insulin makes a certain enzyme remove triglycerides from the blood. When insulin is used to treat high blood sugar, the triglyceride level goes back to normal.
- A lack of insulin (and the high blood sugar that results) raises the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoprotein). It returns to normal when insulin is given.
Data from the Diabetes Complications and Control Trial (DCCT) showed that people with type 1 diabetes had cholesterol levels similar to people without diabetes when their blood sugar levels were kept within a near-normal range.1
This does not apply to people with nephropathy, because once the kidney starts losing even small amounts of protein, cholesterol problems begin to develop.
References
Citations
DCCT Research Group (1992). Lipid and lipoprotein levels in patients with IDDM diabetes control and complication. Trial experience. Diabetes Care, 15(7): 886–894.
Credits
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Maria Essig |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism |
| Last Updated | October 3, 2008 |
| Last updated: | October 03, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
