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Posted 6/13/2011 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

     I just found this site today and feel that I may find some good info to help me out.  I am handicapped and can only do swimming as an exercise.  I have Cholesterol issues along with Type 2 diabetes.  I don't believe either is horrible, but my doctor keeps changing medicines and dosage with little result. My HA1c has been under 6 for over 11 years.   Cholesterol was always under 200, but Trig, LDL and Glucose were a bit higher and HDL a bit low.  I had one HA1c spike in 2007 to 7.3 which is when I was diagnosed and started Metaformin 500Mg.  Every reading since then has been 5.7 or less.  Weight loss, Diet change and 500Mg of Metaformin kept the Diabetes under control.  My numbers in 10/2009 were Chlo=155, Trig=144, LDL=98, HDL=31, Glucose=123, HA1c=5.3.  - then the doctor said the cholesterol needed treated!  The following changes were made every 3 to 6 months.  Lipitor 20Mg did nothing to the numbers, but caused muscle pain - Halted Lipitor.  Tried Niaspan 500 and 1000 Mg Metaformin raised all my numbers and gave me Hot Flash. - Halted Niaspan.  Pravistatin 20Mg and 1500 Metaformin caused muscle pain but lowered numbers to Chlor=144, Trig-129, LDL=83, HDL=35 and HA1c=5.7- Halted Pravistatin. Continued 1500Mg of Metaformin only.  Chlor=165, Trig=146, LDL=98, HDL=38, Glucose=103, HA1c=5.2.  My doctor now has me on Niaspan 500 again, 1000 Metaformin and Januvia 100Mg.  I have no idea what the "GOAL" numbers are anymore and wonder if all this medication is helping or hurting.  I'm ready to dump it all and go back to supplements plus Metaformin.  Any advice/info?  Would be appreciated 

Posted 6/13/2011 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Optimal cholesterol levels should be:

LDL: Less than 100
HDL: Over 60
Triglycerides: Less that 150
Total Cholesterol Count Less than 200.

As far as A1c test levels go, the goal for diabetics is under 6.5-7 depending on the doctor and organization you talk to. A non diabetic will typically have A1c readings in the 4-6 range, so if you are able to keep your A1c's in the mid 5's you deserve a big thumbs up.

IMHO the only big area of concern with your cholesterol numbers is your HDL. The rest are borderline while your overall chol. is pretty good. IMHO if you can get your HDL numbers up to 60 or more the rest may fall into line quite nicely.

I do not know what your diet consists of but I suggest you doing some research into the types of foods that can help raise your HDL. Basically foods high in Omega 3's and/or niacin can help improve HDL levels. Some studies also suggest calcium supplements can as well. Also if you continue to have issues with Niaspan and having those hot flashes and/or flushing that is not tolerable to you talk to your doctor about switching to straight Niacin supplements. I can't take Niaspan myself because of the flushing but I am able to take "No flush" Niacin. The only issue with that is that it can cause a small increase in glucose levels, but so can Niaspan, but with your A1c where they are you can "afford" a small upswing so long as it stays under 6.5 at least.

Finally I know you say that you are limited on the types of exercises you can do, but quite frankly if you can move your arms or legs (or anything for that matter) there are a lot more exercises you can do besides swimming. Exercise does not have to mean running, push ups, sit ups, walking, etc. All exercise means is using your body (moving) more than you normally do when you are not exercising. Sitting in a chair or laying in bed and lifting or kicking your legs or "flapping" your arms for several minutes is exercise. Moving your arm and/or legs like you are swimming is exercise. Don't get me wrong. Swimming is a GREAT form of exercise and one I hope you get to enjoy often, I am just saying is that on days you can enjoy it try thinking outside the box a bit and don't think that unless you do this or that it is not exercise.

Just so you know I am not a doctor or nurse or medical pro of any kind, so please do not take anything I have said or suggested as medical advice.

Good luck and welcome.
Posted 6/13/2011 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
The best way to increase HDL levels is exercise. Other methods are much less effective. So yes, any sort of movement is good. Check with your local Y or wellness center; ours has chair exercise classes for those who can't stand, as well as a number of machines suitable for people with disabilities and swim classes.

Overall, you're definitely doing a good job with those numbers. Keep up the good work!
Posted 6/14/2011 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
I have cholesterol issues with type 1. Hba1c at 7.6.

I started exercising a little bit and taking some functional foods that are supposed lower cholesterol. Well, it worked. Also, few months ago my triglycerides were over 180, but are now in the 150 range that the doctor says is significantly better. However, all the numbers dropped a little including the good cholesterol. The other cholesterol numbers don't tell me anything because this seems to be yet another area where our measurement units differ.

I know I'm still not within the target limits though. Maybe I should exercise even more if exercise is supposed to increase the good cholesterol? If it's the functional food that also lowers the good cholesterol, I don't know how to avoid this. The doctor has been considering putting me on medication too.
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