Patients with diabetes have the same treatment and prevention options available to them as the general population. There are several steps that diabetic patients can take to monitor and control their cholesterol levels. These include:

• Regular cholesterol screenings. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that males and females 20 years of age and older have a lipid profile (cholesterol test) every five years. Regular cholesterol screenings are particularly important for people who have risk factors such as diabetes, obesity or a family history of cardiovascular disease. These higher-risk individuals, and people over age 65, may be screened more frequently.
  
  The American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises that adults with diabetes maintain levels of LDL cholesterol less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and HDL cholesterol of more than 40 mg/dL for men and more than 50 mg/dL for women. In addition, the ADA recommends that adults keep their triglyceride levels below 150 mg/dL.
  
  Children with diabetes require cholesterol screening after 2 years of age if they have a family history of high cholesterol. Children with no family history of high cholesterol should have cholesterol screening at puberty, and the test should be repeated every five years.
  
  Cholesterol screening is fast and relatively painless. Regular screenings are essential for the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol.
  
  
• Blood pressure management. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a risk factor for diabetes and for coronary artery disease. People with diabetes should take appropriate precautions to reduce their risk becoming hypertensive or to manage their high blood pressure. Abnormal cholesterol levels and high blood pressure in combination should be aggressively treated with lifestyle changes and medication as recommended by a physician.
  
  
• Proper diet. The ADA strongly recommends that people with diabetes restrict saturated fats to less than 7 percent of their total calories and avoid artificial trans fats. Saturated fats most often originate from animals and are known to raise blood cholesterol levels. Monounsaturated fats such as olive oil are known to improve levels of HDL. Foods high in fiber help control cholesterol as well as glucose (blood sugar), and 25 to 35 grams of fiber should be eaten each day.

• Maintaining a healthy weight. People with diabetes should maintain a weight that is appropriate for their age, sex and body proportions. Physical activity and a nutritious diet can help. Weight loss is important for those who are overweight.
  
  
• Exercise. Regular exercise raises levels of HDL cholesterol and lowers levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It also counters many of the factors that can lead to heart disease.
  
  
• Other lifestyle choices. People with diabetes should also avoid smoking (reduces HDL cholesterol levels) and limit alcohol (may increase HDL but also raises triglyceride levels and affects glucose). Limiting stress or practicing stress management may help, because stress has been linked to unhealthy changes in cholesterol levels.
  
  
• Medication. In some cases, lifestyle choices alone may not be enough to bring cholesterol levels into balance. Patients may need to combine such efforts with a regular medication therapy regimen. There are many drugs available to treat high cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, and each works differently and offers different benefits. The ADA recommends that statins be considered for people with diabetes over age 40 who have a total cholesterol level of 135 or more.