These cells, which are often white cells normally found in the blood, and cells found in the artery wall, accumulate, and many of them divide. At the same time fat cells continue to build up in and around these cells. They form connective tissue and thus the endothelium becomes thicker and thicker. As this occurs, the deposit can reduce the blood flow through the artery, and oxygen supply to the heart, brain, or limbs causing heart attack, stroke, or gangrene. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes carry an increased risk for the development of atherosclerosis above and beyond these other risk factors.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the body's cells.
It forms cell membranes, certain hormones and other necessary substances. The body produces about 1000 mg a day. In addition, what you eat can add to this in the form of fats from animals, especially egg yolks, meat, fish, poultry, and whole milk dairy products. Typically, the body makes all the cholesterol it needs to maintain health. Beside being found in the body's cells, cholesterol is also present in the blood stream where it is transported to various parts of the body.