Low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides are often associated with type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can be found in the body. The body needs cholesterol for making vitamins and hormones and building cell walls. This combination of low HDL and high triglyceride levels can lead to health problems.
Fats in the blood
There are three main types of fat in your blood:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as the “bad cholesterol” because it is the main source of harmful fatty buildup in blood vessels.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called “good cholesterol” because it helps prevent cholesterol buildup in blood vessels by carrying cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be eliminated.
- Triglycerides are a form of fat carried through the bloodstream.
Duetact has a positive effect on HDL cholesterol and triglycerides
ACTOS—one of the two medications in duetact—may have a positive effect on HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats) without consistent changes in LDL (bad) cholesterol or total cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes. ACTOS has been shown to:
- Increase HDL cholesterol.
- Decrease triglycerides.
- Have no consistent effect on LDL cholesterol or total cholesterol.
If you have high cholesterol, you should ask your health professional what steps you can take to lower it. These may include:
Your health professional may also prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication in addition to these healthy lifestyle habits. Duetact is not intended to treat lipid disorders.
Next: Is duetact right for you?
While duetact may provide some lipid benefits, duetact is not intended as a substitute for cholesterol medications.
The effects of these lipid changes on morbidity and mortality have not been determined.
Management of type 2 diabetes should also include nutritional counseling, weight reduction as needed, and exercise.
Please see Important Safety Information, including warning about heart failure, below.