The Latest on Heart Disease Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of people with diabetes. Changes in diet can help reduce risk. If you are overweight, the best way to cut saturated fat is to cut intake of animal fats while keeping your carbohydrate intake the same. If you eat more high carbohydrate foods to substitute for your fat calories, you may raise your triglycerides. High triglycerides with diabetes increase risk for heart disease.
Hydrogenated oils have large amounts of trans fatty acids.
Trans fatty acids seem to increase blood cholesterol levels like saturated fat. Instead of solid fats, use liquid oils in small amounts. Avoid foods that list hydrogenated oil or animal fat as one of their first ingredients. Oils high in polyunsaturated fats lower cholesterol the best. Oils high in monounsaturated fats seem to make the blood clot less, thus reducing risk for a heart attack.