A few weeks ago I visit my endocrinologist for a full blood panel and today I visited my primary care physician for a physical and to review the blood panel report. I'm not happy. Apparently I've been avoiding exercise for too long – but I knew that – and eating too much fatty food – I knew that too. But I didn't gain any weight which means I'm eating just the right amount of calories for my mostly sedentary lifestyle.
After talking with my doctor I realize that I must make some changes. My LDL cholesterol level are elevated (187) and although my HDL levels are just fine (meaning they are high) my overall [cholesterol](http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/diseases-linked-high-cholesterol) is 255 – 15 points over the threshold for safety. We have reason to be worried. High cholesterol and diabetes are a bad combination.
> Diabetes can upset the balance between HDL and LDLcholesterol levels. People with diabetes tend to have LDL particles that stick to arteries and damage blood vessel walls more easily. (via [WebMD](http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/diseases-linked-high-cholesterol))
One of the changes I'm going to have to make – and the one that bothers me the most – is that I've been prescribed a statin, Pravachol. I've read the side effect and I'm none too happy. Fortunately my physician thinks that I may be able to come off it fairly quickly if I aggressively pursue some cardiovascular exercise.
Exercise! I've got to get off my ass and do something. I've got an elliptical machine in the basement. Time to dust it off (literally) and get back to health.
