When you have diabetes, you're at a higher risk for heart disease. This makes it essential to check your cholesterol levels and triglycerides (a type of blood fat) at least once a year. A simple blood test can provide this information. It's important to understand cholesterol and how to maintain healthy levels. The key is to keep your “bad” LDL cholesterol low and your “good” HDL cholesterol high. Your body needs some cholesterol, but too much “bad” cholesterol and not enough “good” cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, reducing blood flow. This can cause chest pain, heart attacks, or strokes. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your body. Higher HDL levels are better. Triglycerides, another type of blood fat, also increase heart disease risk. Keeping them low is important. Your doctor may ask you to fast for 8 to 12 hours before a blood test to measure triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. Sometimes, a non-fasting test is done first. Based on the results, a lipid profile may be recommended. Further tests may be needed to monitor treatment effectiveness. Healthy lifestyle changes can improve both diabetes and cholesterol levels. Eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats, and high in unsaturated fats, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. These foods contain nutrients like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sterols that help lower cholesterol. If you smoke, quitting can raise your “good” HDL cholesterol. Losing excess weight can lower “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. Regular exercise, about 30 minutes a day, can boost “good” cholesterol, lower triglycerides, improve diabetes, and reduce heart disease risk. Some people may also need medication, usually statins, to lower cholesterol. If you have diabetes and are between 40 and 75 years old, your doctor might recommend a medium dose of statins along with lifestyle changes to reduce heart disease risk. If you have diabetes and atherosclerosis (fat and cholesterol buildup in arteries), a higher dose of statins may be needed to prevent heart attacks or other serious problems. Remember, medications work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.