Best Diet Plan for People With Diabetes and High Cholesterol

It is a fact that almost 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of diabetes. Still, one in four don't know they have it. 

American Diabetes Month is a yearly event in November. The diabetes community comes together annually to raise awareness about the diabetes pandemic. We're vulnerable and need to be armed with knowledge, seek assistance, and spread the word about the risks.

In this regard, we shall explore the relationship between diabetes and high cholesterol to raise awareness of their connection.

Diabetes and High Cholesterol Often Occur Together.

If you have high cholesterol and diabetes, you should know that you are not alone. It is quite often that these two go hand in hand. 

Having diabetes is associated with a decrease in HDL (good) cholesterol, as well as an increase in triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Also, either of these conditions raises your chances of developing cardiovascular disease or a stroke.

Further, even if you maintain a healthy blood sugar level, your LDL cholesterol levels can still increase. That is why you should also keep your cholesterol levels stable. Both of these disorders are manageable with proper nutrition and lifestyle change.

The Best Diet Plan for People With High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels and Type 2 diabetes frequently coexist. Someone with diabetes who maintains adequate blood glucose control is still more likely to experience cholesterol issues. 

You should manage both diseases to lower your chances of having heart disease. Here is a recommended diet plan for type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol to help improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

1. Keep In Mind the Numbers.

You can talk to a dietician to tailor your ideal diabetes-cholesterol diet menu. Managing diabetes and cholesterol levels requires being mindful of carbs, sugar, and saturated fats. Here’s why:

A. Saturated Fats - Your body's LDL cholesterol levels rise in response to saturated fats. This can be found in meals, including dairy products, processed meats, dairy products with animal protein, and some plant oils.

The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that less than 5% to 6% of your calories come from saturated fat. This tells us that if you consume 2,000 calories daily, the saturated fat you should consume should only be 120 calories or approximately 13 grams.

B. Carbohydrates - There are many carbs: Complex carbohydrates, also known as starches, are particularly significant. This can be found in various foods, including whole grains, starchy vegetables, pasta, and bread. Simple carbohydrates are just sugar.

The NIDDK says that people should get calories from carbohydrates from 45 to 65 percent. Nevertheless, you should not do this if you are among those on low-calorie diets.

C. Sugar Added - If you are concerned with your cholesterol levels, reduce your added sugar intake. The 2020-2025 USDA Dietary Guidelines say that added sugar should make up less than 10% of your daily calories.

D. Trans Fats - These fats are "bad fats" that make you more likely to get sick, even in small amounts. Trans fats are primarily found in processed foods made with trans fats from oil that has been partially hydrogenated. Thankfully, there are "good" fats you should eat. It is important to learn more about foods with “good” unsaturated fats and how to limit foods high in saturated fat, and avoid “bad” trans fat.                     

2. Eat Foods to Lower Cholesterol and Diabetes.

For a good diet for high cholesterol and diabetes, it is recommended that you should eat foods that help decrease your cholesterol. 

• Dark chocolate - This is recommended food for diabetes and high cholesterol. Its polyphenols are thought to boost HDL cholesterol. 

       Further, dark chocolate flavanols can help improve insulin resistance, another critical risk factor for diseases such

       as heart disease and diabetes.

• Oats - Oats contain a lot of soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL cholesterol. In one study, eating oats led to a 5% drop in total cholesterol and a 10% drop in LDL cholesterol.

• Salmon -  One of the best foods for people who have diabetes with high cholesterol is salmon. High monounsaturated fat is found in salmon, an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.  Monounsaturated fats can help lower bad cholesterol in your blood, making you less likely to get heart disease or a stroke.

• Brussels sprouts -  Brussels sprouts are rich in nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and B vitamins. Further, brussels sprouts are high in protein and have few calories. It can improve heart health by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol. Research also shows they can decrease the risk of heart disease and help manage diabetes.

• Flaxseed  - Studies have shown that eating foods with flaxseed can help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

       Flaxseeds also have a lot of omega-3 fats, which are anti-inflammatory fatty acids. About 1.8 grams of plant

       omega-3s are in each tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Omega-3 fatty acids can also raise HDL cholesterol and

       can help with insulin resistance.

• Walnuts - These nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent source of fiber. The polyunsaturated fats in walnuts lower bad cholesterol. 

• Whole wheat bread - It is ideal for your high-cholesterol diabetes diet. Whole-grain bread is higher in fiber than refined grains, making them a heart-healthier option. About 3 grams of fiber and up to 5 grams of protein are in one slice of whole wheat bread (43 grams). Look at the nutrition information and ingredient labels to be sure your bread is prepared with whole grains.

• Olive oil -  It has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fat. A diet for prediabetes and high cholesterol includes olive oil consumption, which can lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. Because it has anti-inflammatory capabilities and can help counteract the detrimental effects of LDL cholesterol.

Manage Your Diabetes and High Cholesterol With Your Doctor.

Your and your family's health are top priority at AllMed Medical Center. We provide the best medical treatments to assist you in managing your high cholesterol and diabetes.

Please make an appointment by calling our helpline immediately. You can contact us at 1-8333-255-6332 to get in touch. By using this link, you can also search for your chosen clinic.

We look forward to hearing from you!