Posted 9/15/2013 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
Kay, your diet needs to first and foremost address your blood glucose. Elevated lipids and plaque deposits are strongly linked to elevated glucose readings, and uncontrolled diabetics have a much, much higher incidence of both heart attacks and strokes. Limit your carbs severely, and concentrate those in whole-grain complex carbs, which seem to raise the blood sugar less for most people. Also limit your fat intake strictly. You should be relying on veggies to help you feel full, very lean meats (skinless chicken or turkey breast, fruits in measured quantities (some fruits are very high in carbs).
Be sure you get your daily exercise, which will help lower glucose and strengthen the heart and circulatory system. If you're not on a fish oil supplement, ask your cardio about this. After testing my "lipid genetics" mine put me on mega-doses (2800 mg twice a day) and it has brought my total cholesterol and triglycerides both within the normal range for the first time in years.
Ask your doctor for a referral to a good nutritionist for dietary counseling, or to "diabetes school" if there is one available in your area. This series of classes can be very helpful and is offered by many hospitals.
Good luck, and here's to a long life!