Your total cholesterol should be less than 200. The level of your healthy "good" HDL is over 45 for a male and over 55 for a female. The "bad" LDL should be less than 100 if you have diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease and less than 130 if you have no risk factors at all. The normal range for triglyceride is less than 150.

1. Age: >45 years for males >55 years for females 2. A history of premature heart disease in a first-degree relative (parent or sibling). If the family member is male, before age 55; if female before age 65. 3. A current smoker 4. HDL cholesterol <40. (An HDL >60 is a negative risk factor.)

We offer comprehensive classes in our clinic for the diabetic patient. In these classes you will learn what diabetes is, how to care for yourself, how to eat properly, test for blood sugar, etc. If you are interested, please call the office and set up an appointment with our diabetes educator.