• Low density lipoprotein or LDL, also called the “bad” cholesterol – lesser than 100mg/dL
• High density lipoprotein or HDL also called the “good” cholesterol – more than 40 mg/dL in case of men and more than 50 mg/dL for women.
• Triglycerides – lower than 150 mg/dL.

Types of cholesterol lowering medications:

Statins:

Statins are one of the most significant drugs useful for reducing elevated LDL which is bad cholesterol. Patients with diabetes are particularly benefited by using Statins. Some of the popular statins drugs that are prescribed are Atorvastatin (Lipitor)*, Fluvastatin (Lescol)*, Simvastatin (Zocor)*, Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor)*, and Pravastatin (Pravachol)*. The side effects associated with this category of drug are usually mild. The side effects if any go away slowly as your body adapts. Serious side effects like liver abnormalities and muscle problems are usually rare. Some of the milder ones may include abdominal pain, gas, constipation or upset stomach.

Fibrates:

Fibrates are generally used for reducing triglycerides and frequently for increasing the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). They are not that effective in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. It is a matter of debate whether patients with diabetes would be benefited through rise in HDL cholesterol (when they have low LDL levels) through the use of fibrates. A few of the common fibrates prescribed by doctors include Gemfibrozil (Lopid)*, and Fenofibrate (Lofibra, Tricor)*. Some of the side effects which may occur are anemia, and increase in effect of blood – thinning medicines.

Resins:

Resins are commonly known as bile acid – binding medicines. Your body utilizes cholesterol to create bile. Bile is an acid used for digestion. The resins category of drugs remains attached to bile which does not help in the process of digestion. Thus your liver manufactures even more bile. The higher amount of bile your liver produces, the greater is the amount of cholesterol that is used up. In this way less cholesterol remains to circulate in your bloodstream. Resins category of drugs helps in lowering up to 20% of LDL cholesterol. Colesevalam (Welchol)*, Colestipol (Cholestid)*, and Cholestyramine (Questran)* are medicines that belong to this category. Less common side effects include dizziness, gas/bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Niacin (nicotinic acid):

This drug effectively works by controlling the amount f blood fats production in the liver. Niacin lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. It raises HDL or “good” cholesterol. Some of the drug induced side effects that may occur with the use of Niacin are itching, flushing, and upset stomach. Niacin generally comes in the form of dietary supplements as well as in prescription forms.

You must always make it a point to verify your drug dosages and intake by consulting with your healthcare provider.