Updated 2026/10/26 09:00
Today’s Mildang newsletter in two lines
1. Only one in seven people with diabetes met all three management targets for blood sugar, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
2. Check all three levels together and prevent vascular complications through dietary improvements and consistent medication treatment.
The likelihood of complications doubles as risk factors accumulate
Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol management are important because each of these levels places stress on the cardiovascular system and raises the risk of complications. Many people with diabetes also have hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. According to data from the Korean Diabetes Association, 63.2% of people with diabetes aged 30 years and older had hypertension, while 71.8% had hypercholesterolemia. The proportion who had both conditions reached 47.1%, nearly half. The three conditions damage blood vessels in different ways. High blood sugar damages the inner lining of blood vessels, while high blood pressure continuously places strong pressure on the vessel walls. As LDL cholesterol builds up in blood vessels, atherosclerosis progresses, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
Kim Jeong-a, a professor of endocrinology at Korea University Anam Hospital, said, “The risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes is more than two to three times that of the general population. As risk factors are added one by one, the risk does not simply add up but grows as if multiplied, so controlling blood sugar alone cannot sufficiently lower the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke.”
Check the target levels for blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
To prevent diabetes complications, you should know the target levels for each indicator and work to achieve them. The first level to check is glycated hemoglobin. This indicator shows the average blood sugar status over the past two to three months. According to an integrated management analysis by the Korean Diabetes Association, only 38.7% of people with diabetes met the target of a glycated hemoglobin level below 6.5%. To lower average blood sugar levels, avoid eating excessive amounts of carbohydrate-rich foods such as rice, bread and noodles in a single meal, and reduce sugary drinks. It is also important to move regularly and consistently take prescribed medication.
The second is blood pressure. The blood pressure target mentioned by the Korean Diabetes Association is below 130/80mmHg. However, among people with diabetes and hypertension, the proportion aged 30 years and older who achieved this target was 42.1%. To lower blood pressure, it is advisable to consume less broth from soups and stews and reduce salty side dishes and processed foods. Whether at a hospital or at home, rest sufficiently before measuring your blood pressure regularly.
The third is LDL cholesterol, commonly called “bad cholesterol.” The higher the level, the more likely cholesterol is to build up in the vessel walls and promote atherosclerosis. The actual treatment target varies according to cardiovascular disease risk. Kim Jeong-a said, “If cardiovascular disease is present, the target is below 55mg/dL and at least 50% lower than the baseline level. If there is target-organ damage or three or more major risk factors, the target is below 55mg/dL.” A level below 70mg/dL is the target for people who have had diabetes for 10 years or longer or have major risk factors, while a level below 100mg/dL is the target for those who have had diabetes for less than 10 years and have no risk factors. To manage LDL cholesterol, it is advisable to reduce foods high in saturated fat, such as pork belly fat, butter and processed meat, and consume appropriate amounts of fish, beans and nuts.
Lifestyle habits that manage all three levels together
With advice from Professor Kim Jeong-a, here is a summary of lifestyle habits that can help manage blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol together. The first thing to change is your diet. Professor Kim said, “You should eat an appropriate amount to maintain a healthy weight and reduce simple sugars, salt and fatty foods.” In particular, be careful with foods high in carbohydrates and seasoning when ordering delivery food or eating out.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important. Smoking damages blood vessels and promotes atherosclerosis, while alcohol raises blood pressure and triglycerides and can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients using blood sugar-lowering medication.
Meanwhile, diabetes management targets vary depending on age, disease duration, the presence of cardiovascular disease and the risk of hypoglycemia. When reviewing test results at the hospital, set targets for glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol together with your medical team and continue managing them consistently!
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