Which lipid target would be considered appropriate for a typical adult with diabetes to reduce cardiovascular risk?

• A. HDL above 60 mg/dL
• B. LDL-C below 100 mg/dL; aim for below 70 mg/dL in high-risk individuals.
• C. Triglycerides below 150 mg/dL
• D. Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL

Answer: (B)

Lowering LDL cholesterol is the most effective way to cut cardiovascular risk in adults with diabetes. LDL-C drives atherosclerosis, so it’s the primary lipid target in this group. For most adults with diabetes, aiming for an LDL-C under 100 mg/dL provides meaningful risk reduction. When someone is higher risk—such as with established cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors—the goal is even more stringent, often under 70 mg/dL, to push risk down further. While HDL and triglycerides matter for overall metabolic health, they don’t have as strong and consistent an impact on reducing cardiovascular events as lowering LDL-C. Total cholesterol needs to be interpreted alongside other factors and isn’t used alone as the final target.