DIABETES TYPE 2 AND YOU

WHAT'S YOUR KILLESTEROL (CHOLESTEROL) LEVEL?

Cholesterol has gotten a lot of bad press. We need cholesterol to live as it is used to make hormones that regulate our bodies. The problem arises when the bad cholesterol increase and aids in blocking arteries or the heart, brain or legs. With type 2 diabettes, new recommendations are for LDL cholesterol levels to be less than 100. Many cardiologists are trying to achieve lower levels to prevent or to treat heart disease. Your lifestyle choices will make a dramatic difference, but only 1 in 3 people are able to decrease their LDL cholesterol to less than 100 without medication. The good, the bad and the ugly about statin medications: If you can't get your LDL below 100 with lifestyle changes, then statin medications can cause dramatic decreases in LDL cholesterol. When combined with Zetia, a newer medication that bind LDL in the bowel, LDL goals below 100 can be achieved. In a small percent of people, statins can cause liver damage, muscle aches and joint pains so you will need to be monitored by your healthcare provider. Statins most ofen usedare Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol, Mevacor and now Crestor. A generic statin, Lovastatin, is now available. The statin medications also decrease in flammation in the arteries. Why is this important? Half of the people that have a heart attack have normal cholesterol. So what's up? Inflammation is the culprit. Inflammation can be measured by C-Reactive Protein, a blood test.

The diabetes support group meets the second Monday of each month at 7 pm in our office. Everyone is welcome. There is no charge.

Timothy J. Gray, D.O.
Book-Of-The-Month-Club Author
Board Certified in Family Practice
Mountain View Medical Center
1909 Mountain View Lane Suite
Forest Grove, Oregon
503-359-4773