Diabetes and cholesterol testing: Why you should get checked

By Blua Digital health by Bupa

4 minute read

Published 17 June 2026

name

type 1 diabetes type 2 diabetes gestational diabetes

Key takeaways

High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Adults living with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease.¹
Monitoring cholesterol levels can help manage risk and stay healthy.

Living with diabetes increases your risk of developing some serious health conditions, such as heart and kidney disease and stroke.

Monitoring and managing health indicators, such as cholesterol, can help keep you healthy.

Cholesterol and diabetes

High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can, over time, damage blood vessels and increase fatty deposits. As these deposits build up, they can clog and block arteries, causing heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often called "bad cholesterol," has the same impact. Excess LDL cholesterol attaches to the walls of arteries, forming hard plaque that clogs and blocks them.

People with harmful levels of LDL cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease.² People living with diabetes are also twice as likely to have heart disease.¹

Monitoring cholesterol is an important part of managing diabetes.

What is a cholesterol test?

Cholesterol levels are measured with a blood test known as a lipid test or lipid panel.³

The test measures cholesterol and other fats in your blood.

The test produces results including:

Total amount of cholesterol in your blood
Level of LDL cholesterol
Level of HDL (high-density or good) cholesterol
Level of triglycerides (other type of fat).

While HDL cholesterol, often called good cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from the body, high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease.

The test is a routine blood test and is usually performed at a pathology centre or healthcare clinic. You need a referral from your GP.

You may need to fast for up to 12 hours before your cholesterol test, meaning you cannot eat or drink anything other than water. Your doctor will let you know if you need to fast and for how long.

How often do I need a cholesterol test?

If you live with diabetes, it’s important to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes: At least once every 12 months or as directed by your doctor.⁴

Gestational diabetes: Testing during pregnancy is generally not advised as cholesterol and triglyceride levels rise naturally during that time. Testing may be done after pregnancy to ensure levels have normalised.⁵

Prediabetes: As directed by your doctor.

Need some support?

Call us on 1300 030 238 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEST) to speak with one of our health professionals or register for a call back to find out what programs are available to you.

Call us now | Request a call

Blua Digital health by Bupa

Blua is Bupa’s new home for digital health services like online doctor appointments and delivery of prescription items and over-the-counter goods.

At Bupa, trust is everything

Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.

This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.