Cholesterol with diabetes: stricter targets

This is general information, not medical advice. Always discuss your blood values with your doctor.

1. 1

   Why different?

   People with diabetes have a higher average risk of cardiovascular disease. The guideline therefore sets stricter LDL targets, depending on type, duration and any organ damage.

2. 2

   Targets in type 2 diabetes

   ESC/EAS 2019: at very high risk, LDL below 1.4 mmol/L (55 mg/dL) and at least a 50% reduction. At high risk, for example diabetes for more than 10 years or with one major extra risk factor, below 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) and at least a 50% reduction. At moderate risk, type 2 under 50 years without other risk factors, below 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL).

3. 3

   Type 1 diabetes

   In type 1 diabetes, statins are recommended at high or very high risk. Type 1 under 35 years falls in the moderate category.

4. 4

   Non-HDL and apoB count extra

   The ESC explicitly recommends non-HDL in diabetes. A study in people with type 2 diabetes and an LDL within target showed that about a quarter still had a non-HDL or apoB that was too high. LDL alone can therefore underestimate the risk.

Updated in October 2026