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Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat which is needed by your body to build and repair cells and to make hormones. Your liver makes cholesterol, and some foods contain it.

Many Australians don’t know they have high cholesterol, because there are no symptoms. High cholesterol can only be detected through a blood test.

When we hear about cholesterol, we think of it building up in our arteries and contributing to long-term health problems. But it isn’t a ‘bad guy’—healthy levels of cholesterol are vital for our cells to function and to make vitamin D and some hormones.

Keep blood fats in the target range. Keeping cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the target range will reduce your risk of heart disease.

A general guide is:

  • total cholesterol of less than 4 mmol/L
  • Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), or ‘bad’ cholesterol, of less than 2 mmol/L
  • High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good’ cholesterol, of 1 mmol/L or above
  • triglycerides of less than 2 mmol/L.

These targets may change according to your type of diabetes, age, and other personal factors.

Discuss your blood fat targets with your doctor. Your doctor or diabetes nurse practitioner may prescribe medications that can help manage your cholesterol and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Try to lose weight if your weight is above the healthy range. Losing even a small amount of weight will help reduce your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

How often should I have my cholesterol tested?

Your doctor will order a blood test to check that your blood fats are in the target range at least every year.

Read more in our fact sheet.

Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now

To help you manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications, work with your diabetes health professional to set goals and fill in a personalised Information Prescription. Information Prescriptions help you understand and improve your health targets to manage your diabetes. Read more in our Information Prescription.

Diabetes and your cholesterol Information Prescription

People with diabetes and high levels of bad cholesterol are at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. By lowering your bad cholesterol, you can significantly reduce your risk.

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In Australia, eating less saturated fat is one of the most practical ways to lower cholesterol.

It’s important to consider both the amount and the type of fat in the foods you choose.

  • ‘Total fat’ includes all polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated and trans fats in the food. It’s important to consider both the amount and the type of fat in the foods you choose.
  • Check the ‘saturated fat’ amount on similar products and choose the one with the least amount of saturated fat per 100 g.
  • ‘Trans fats’ are not required by law to be listed on the nutrition information panel but some manufacturers do list trans fats. Look for products with less than 1 g of trans fats per 100 g, particularly when buying margarines or baked goods.

Read the nutrition information panel to check the amount of fat in the product.

Read the nutrition information panel to check the amount of fat in the product.

Read more in our fact sheet.

Understanding food labels fact sheet

Understanding food labels can help you to make healthy food choices, which is an important part of managing your diabetes, weight, and overall health.

Download now

Nutrition claims

Food manufacturers often use nutrition claims on their packaging to attract the shopper’s attention. While the claim may be true, it can sometimes be misleading. Always check the nutrition information panel to see if the product itself is a healthy option for you.

  • Low fat or 97% fat free—The food must contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g of food, or no more than 1.5 g fat per 100 ml of liquid.
  • Reduced fat—The product contains at least 25% less fat than the regular product. This does not necessarily mean it is low in fat.
  • Lite or light—This may refer to a reduced fat content, but it may also be used to describe taste, texture or colour. For example, light olive oil is lighter in colour and taste but not lower in fat. Check for an explanation on the label and compare fat content per 100 g with similar products.

Understanding food labels can help you to make healthy food choices, which is an important part of managing your diabetes, weight, and overall health.

A dietitian can help you decide on the best food and product choices for your individual nutrition needs.

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Learn how to read nutrition information, with real products to look at and compare.

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It is essential to do an annual cycle of care to find any health problems early. Without regular checks, diabetes can lead to health problems that can affect your whole body, including your kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves and heart. Ask your doctor for the timing of health checks and targets that meet your individual health needs.

Read more in our fact sheet or listen to our podcast series.

Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now
Annual cycle of care podcast series

Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series to learn more about what it is, why it’s important, and what you need to know about it.

Available in other languages Listen now

More information and support

Featured resources

Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now
Understanding food labels fact sheet

Understanding food labels can help you to make healthy food choices, which is an important part of managing your diabetes, weight, and overall health.

Download now

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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