For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on LDL target for 2026. 55% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it by clicking here.
RZ is 47 years old with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. RZ takes metformin 1000 mg BID, plus lisinopril 20mg daily. RZs LDL is 140 mg/dL.
Based on the most recent ADA Standards, what is the LDL Cholesterol target for RZ?
- A. LDL less than 100 mg/dL.
- B. LDL less than 55 mg/dL
- C. Determine LDL target based on ASCVD risk
- D. LDL less than 70 mg/dL
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer A is incorrect. 17.99% chose this answer, “LDL less than 100 mg/dL.” This juicy answer was the previous goal for LDL.
But for the past few years, the ADA has established an LDL cholesterol goal of less than 70mg/dL (often using high-intensity statins) in diabetes. Reducing the LDL significantly decreases the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes) by roughly 20% for every 39 mg/dL reduction. This target stabilizes plaque, slows atherosclerosis, and improves mortality, especially for high-risk individuals.
Answer B is incorrect. 10.80% of you chose this answer, “LDL less than 55 mg/dL.” This answer is tempting. The LDL goal off 55 mg/dL is recommended for individuals with diabetes with existing CV disease. Given that RZ has type 2 and hypertension and a LDL of 140 mg/dL, the ADA goal is to get LDL to half of the current value AND less than 70 mg/dL.
Answer C is incorrect. 16.71% chose this answer, “Determine LDL target based on ASCVD risk.” It might be helpful to calculate CV risk, but the ADA Standards make taking action simple and clear. If a person is 40 years or older, the LDL Goal is less than 70mg/dL and 50% reduction from their current LDL level. For people with diabetes with existing CV disease, the LDL goal is less than 55 mg/dL.
Finally, Answer D is correct. 54.50% of respondents chose this: “LDL less than 70mg/dL.” GREAT JOB! Based on the ADA 2026 guidelines, the LDL Goal is less than 70mg/dL and 50% reduction from their current LDL level, for people with diabetes over the age 40 with CV risk factors.
Reducing the LDL significantly decreases the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes) by roughly 20% for every 39 mg/dL reduction. This target stabilizes plaque, slows atherosclerosis, and improves mortality, especially for high-risk individuals.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
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