For adults in China with diabetes, keeping 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) around 90 mg/dL seems to lower their risk of dying from any cause or heart problems more than higher levels — and lower than what’s best for people without diabetes, who do best around 115 mg/dL.

What we've found so far suggests that for adults in China with diabetes, maintaining LDL cholesterol around 90 mg/dL may be linked to a lower risk of death from any cause or heart-related issues, compared to higher levels [1]. This level appears lower than what might be associated with the lowest risk for adults in China without diabetes, who seem to do best around 115 mg/dL [1]. Our analysis of the available research shows that LDL cholesterol targets may differ between people with and without diabetes in this population. Based on what we've reviewed so far, the evidence leans toward a lower optimal LDL level for those with diabetes—specifically near 90 mg/dL—than for those without diabetes [1]. We do not know if lower is always better, nor do we have evidence that actively lowering LDL to this level causes reduced risk; we only observe that this range is associated with better outcomes in the studies we analyzed. It’s important to note that our current analysis is based on a single assertion supported by 59.0 studies, with no studies refuting it [1]. However, we cannot say for certain whether these findings apply beyond the adult population in China or if they hold true across different treatment strategies or age groups. We also do not have enough information to determine whether targeting 90 mg/dL directly leads to improved survival, or if other factors are involved. What this means for you: If you're an adult in China with diabetes, the evidence we've reviewed suggests that keeping your LDL cholesterol around 90 mg/dL might be associated with lower health risks compared to higher levels. But individual needs can vary, and cholesterol is just one part of a bigger picture that includes blood sugar control, blood pressure, diet, and activity levels.