Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about cholesterol and diabetes:

1. What is my cholesterol level?
   
   
2. What should it be?
   
   
3. How often should I have my cholesterol level checked?
   
   
4. How does high cholesterol complicate my diabetes?
   
   
5. What is the difference among HDL, LDL, VLDL and triglycerides?
   
   
6. How can my good cholesterol be increased and my bad cholesterol be decreased?
   
   
7. Should I change diet, exercise or other habits to improve my cholesterol readings? Which foods should I eat more of, and which should I avoid?
   
   
8. Can lowering my high blood pressure make it easier to control my cholesterol?
   
   
9. Do I need to take any cholesterol drugs?
   
   
10. If so, what risks and benefits do these drugs have for me?