Blood is taken to test the level of fats (lipids) at the same time blood is drawn for all the other tests required for the Annual Review. Occasionally your doctor may ask you to attend clinic 'fasting' for this particular test.
Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can also occur in people with Type 1 diabetes. The level of fats in a 'fasting' sample of your blood gives an indication of your risk for developing arteriosclerosis and heart disease.
Normal ranges for lipids:
Total Cholesterol: below 5mmol/l
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL): over 1.1mmol/l
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL): below 3mmol/l
Triglycerides: below 2.3mmol/l
Total cholesterol/HDL ratio: below 4
HDL has a protective effect, while LDL and Triglycerides have a damaging effect and may increase your risk of developing heart disease. Your lipid levels can sometimes be raisedd due to genetic (inherited) reasons. However, making different food choices can help. Physical activity can also increase HDL levels as well as promote a healthy body weight, which also has a beneficial effect on the heart.
Food choices should include:
- One portion of oily fish per week (salmon, mackerel, herring, kippers and sardines).
- Fruit and vegetables.
- Monounsaturated fat (olive oil, rapeseed oil) instead of saturated fat (butter, biscuits, cakes, pastry, cheese and fatty meat).
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