Does the CAUSE of high cholesterol make a difference? - High Cholesterol Message Board

mattsmom32 · 08-11-2006, 09:35 PM

I'm researching and researching and what I'm finding mostly is stuff that promotes the use of statins and a reduced fat diet. However, I also have insulin resistance, and a low fat diet would mean a high carb diet, which would lead to more insulin resistance and everything that goes along with that.

Now, what I'm wondering and what I can't find info on is if the people that have the familial hypercholesterolemia can change their lipid profile by eating a low carb diet or are we "stuck" with using the statins, niacins, etc that mess with your liver that is already messed up being a fatty liver from the high cholesterol that is genetic?

Mark1e · 08-11-2006, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattsmom32

..... I also have insulin resistance, and a low fat diet would mean a high carb diet, which would lead to more insulin resistance and everything that goes along with that.....

Also bear in mind insulin resistance causes hugely increased insulin levels, which in turn causes inflamation of the endothelium (blood vessel lining). And inflammation raises cholesterol levels, which is used to patch up the damage (lays down plague). So your high cholesterol could be the result of your insulin resistance.

The sensible long-term treatment target for you must surely be to reduce insulin resistance. It gives you a double-whammy, by improving glycemic control and containing cholesterol levels at the same time. It goes almost without saying that a low-carb diet is the only way to reverse insulin resistance. So IMHO, this what you need to do.

You haven't said what your cholesterol levels are. But I would avoid using statins if at all possible. My experience has been that a low-carb/high-fat diet has improved my lipid profile, mainly because of increased HDL. And my blood sugars are better than ever.

Like you, I researched this extensively and was frustrated by conflicting advice. In the end, you just have to do what makes sense to you and see what happens.

Cheers,

Mark

Lenin · 08-12-2006, 06:20 AM

mattsmom,

First off...have you had your insulin and glucose levels measured? What kind of levels are you showing? Has a diagnosis of diabetes-2 or pre-diabetes been made? Is your weight at normal/average level (or better, below normal/average.)

Both conditions, poor blood lipids and impaired insulin response have a stong genetic component to them and the stronger that component the less that can be done about them.

You are right about walking that thin dietary wire act between low fat and low carbs. Consensus seems to be that prediabletics do better with something like a 40% fat diet (although salurated should STILL be under 10%) with the carbohydrates being of the slower digesting (low GI) variety, like legumes and fibery carbs...vegetables, whole grains etc, rather than sugars and fruits.

Everyone seems to agree that a low body weight by caloric restriction might be the very best way to battle both conditions.

mattsmom32 · 08-12-2006, 09:44 AM

My cholesterol is really good right now on Vytorin. Total is 175. Triglycerides are high at 298. I have the other numbers, but not at my computer at the moment. I have been dxd with insulin resistance/pre-diabetes. My fasting glucose is in the mid 90s. Again, I have my numbers, but not at the computer. My c-peptide level was also elevated indicating high insulin levels.

The trig I'm not worried about because I have been losing weight and that can elevate those.

I've been following Dr. Bernstein's low carb and I'm doing great with the blood sugar control and the weight is coming off as well. I still have about 75 or so pounds to lose and I have been exercising 30-45 minutes a day at least 4 times a week.

Lenin · 08-13-2006, 06:16 AM

By the time that 75 pounds comes off, I doubt you'll have any glucose impairment to worry about. That fasting glucose of 90 tells a lot and it's nothing to worry about.

I think you are doing fine.