By Adam Garcia
Today we will continue our discussion in Diabetic Dictionary on the lipid profile with the third lipoprotein, VLDL.
There are three major types of lipoproteins HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein. Each type contains a mixture of cholesterol, protein and triglyceride, but in varying amounts. LDL contains the highest amount of cholesterol while HDL contains the highest amount of protein. Similarly, VLDL contains the highest amount of triglyceride, a blood fat. VLDL is a form of cholesterol that helps to distribute trigylicerides through the bloodstream. A portion of this type of cholesterol also converts into LDL. Because of this conversion, physicians tend to monitor VLDL cholesterol levels. Like LDL, VLDL is considered a type of “bad” cholesterol because elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
It is important to know your VLDL cholesterol level. However, there is no simple, direct way to measure VLDL cholesterol. So VLDL cholesterol is usually estimated as a percentage of your triglyceride value. A normal VLDL cholesterol level is between 5 and 40 milligrams per deciliter.
You can lower your VLDL cholesterol levels By lowering your triglyceride levels. Also, healthy lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight and exercising regularly can help lower all forms of “bad” cholesterol. You can avoid sugary foods and alcohol as well, which have a particularly potent effect on increasing triglycerides.
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