Your Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Key Insights - Internal Medicine

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Issues with blood lipids and blood glucose?


Hello Dr.
Lin,
I have a few questions regarding my blood sugar and lipid levels.
Below are my test results from two health check-ups spaced seven months apart:
- Total Cholesterol (TCH): 235 mg/dL, 256 mg/dL (Reference value: <200)
- Triglycerides (TG): 63 mg/dL, 62 mg/dL (Reference value: <150)
- High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C): 78 mg/dL, 74 mg/dL (Reference value: >40)
- Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C): 144 mg/dL, 159 mg/dL (Reference value: <100)
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): 5.6%, 5.2% (Reference value: 4-6)
- Glucose (GLU-AC): 92 mg/dL, 85 mg/dL (Reference value: 70-100)
Height: 164 cm
Weight: 56-59 kg
1.
Is my blood sugar level acceptable? Is it somewhat concerning?
2.
Do I need to take lipid-lowering medication? (I have no other issues with blood pressure or blood sugar, and no history of cardiovascular disease.)
3.
Does long-term use of statins lead to diabetes? (I came across discussions on this in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2011, which makes me concerned about taking the medication.)
Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Liu Xiaojie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/13

Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine


1.
According to your Glu AC and HbA1C, they are currently within the standard range.
2.
Whether you need to take lipid-lowering medication depends on other risk factors, such as a family history of cerebrovascular disease or cardiovascular disease, among others.
3.
It is currently believed that the risk of developing diabetes from taking lipid-lowering medications is lower than the benefits of preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Reply Date: 2020/12/13

More Info


Hello! Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Let's break down your concerns based on the provided lab results and general medical knowledge.


1. Blood Sugar Levels
Your blood glucose levels (GLU-AC) of 92 mg/dL and 85 mg/dL fall within the normal range (70-100 mg/dL). This indicates that your fasting blood sugar is well-controlled. Additionally, your HbA1c levels of 5.6% and 5.2% are also within the normal range (4-6%), suggesting that your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months have been stable and not indicative of diabetes. Therefore, your blood sugar status appears to be healthy, and there is no immediate cause for concern regarding tight control.


2. Cholesterol Levels
Your total cholesterol (TCH) levels of 235 mg/dL and 256 mg/dL are above the recommended threshold of 200 mg/dL. The LDL-C (bad cholesterol) levels of 144 mg/dL and 159 mg/dL are also above the optimal level of 100 mg/dL. While your triglycerides (TG) at 63 mg/dL and HDL-C (good cholesterol) at 78 mg/dL and 74 mg/dL are within normal limits, the elevated LDL-C and total cholesterol levels may warrant further evaluation.

Given that you have no history of hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease, lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, and weight management should be your first line of action. If these measures do not adequately lower your cholesterol levels, your healthcare provider may consider medication, especially if your LDL-C levels remain high after a few months of lifestyle changes.


3. Concerns About Medication
Regarding your concern about long-term use of statins (like冠脂妥, which is likely a statin medication), there has been some discussion in the medical community about the potential for statins to affect blood sugar levels. Statins can slightly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly in individuals who may already be at risk. However, the cardiovascular benefits of statin therapy often outweigh this risk, especially for individuals with elevated cholesterol levels or those with a history of cardiovascular disease.

It's essential to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about your specific risk factors and the potential benefits and drawbacks of starting a statin. They can help you weigh these factors and determine the best course of action for your health.


Additional Recommendations
- Dietary Changes: Focus on a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those found in nuts and avocados). Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol intake.

- Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, along with strength training exercises on two or more days a week.

- Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your cholesterol and blood sugar levels through regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. This will help you stay informed about your health status and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

In summary, your blood sugar levels are well within the normal range, while your cholesterol levels indicate a need for lifestyle modifications and possibly medication. Discuss your concerns about statin use with your doctor to make an informed decision. Thank you for reaching out, and I wish you the best in managing your health!

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