Dyslipidemia / cholesterol
Dyslipidemia means abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which raise cardiovascular risk and are especially common alongside diabetes — identified through a simple blood test (a lipid panel).
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms — detected through blood testing
- In rare, severe cases, visible fatty deposits under the skin or around the eyes
Causes & risk factors
- Insulin resistance and diabetes
- Diet and physical inactivity
- A family history of high cholesterol
- Excess weight
Nationally, dyslipidemia affects an estimated 81.2% of Indian adults (ICMR-INDIAB national study (Anjana et al., Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2023)).
How it’s diagnosed
Diagnosis is by a fasting or non-fasting lipid panel blood test, interpreted alongside your overall cardiovascular risk profile.
How it’s treated
Management combines dietary and lifestyle measures with medication (such as statins) where indicated, with targets individualized to your diabetes status and overall cardiovascular risk.
When to seek care
- You haven't had a lipid panel checked recently, particularly if you have diabetes or a family history of heart disease
- Chest pain or symptoms of a cardiovascular event — seek emergency care
FAQ
Is high cholesterol always related to diet?
Diet is one factor, but genetics, insulin resistance, and other conditions also strongly influence cholesterol levels — which is why testing and individualized treatment matter more than diet alone.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
- ICMR-INDIAB national study (Anjana et al., Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2023)
Medical disclaimer: Content on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes vary between patients. Boston Diabetes Center is outpatient / day-care specialty centre with an on-site diagnostic lab and pharmacy — no inpatient beds; imaging and inpatient care are coordinated through partner facilities.