A new study has linked high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) with improving blood glucose levels and potentially treating type-2 diabetes.
Researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen in Germany found that this 'good' cholesterol enhances skeletal muscle function and reduces adiposity, meaning that normal circulating levels are essential.
Without ApoA-I ¬- HDL's major protein constituent - the burning of calories in skeletal muscle is reduced, resulting in higher blood glucose and weaker muscle function.
In an animal model, raising HDL and ApoA-I levels protected against hyperglycaemia and other symptoms like fat mass gain.
Lead author Dr Susanna Hofmann said in the journal Circulation that the study could 'offer underappreciated potential for therapeutic opportunities in diabetes', particularly for women.
According to Heart UK, levels of HDL cholesterol should ideally be above 1mmol/L for men and 1.2mmol/L for women. However, six in ten UK adults have raised levels of LDL or 'bad' cholesterol in their bodies.