One of the critical factors to get under your control is cholesterol. It's common for diabetics to have an unsafe level which can lead to blood clots, that in turn can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

One of the key instructions most physicians give their patients is to 'diet and exercise'.

By following a healthy diet program, diabetics will find they can get control of their cholesterol.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics should try to keep their cholesterol level below 100 mg/dl. More people each day are turning to natural supplements in the face of problems with the traditional prescription choices.

There is a number of highly effective cholesterol lowering drugs on the market today. Lipitor, Lescol and Mevacor are three of the most beneficial. But, some diabetics can experience side effects when taking these drugs.

More often, we find, many Type 2s are trying to find a natural or non-prescribed drug regimen to follow - they just don't want to take prescription medications if they don't have to.

Somewhere in the supermarket are the top foods to support this need.

Here are some recommended foods and supplementation to help lower your cholesterol:

#1 Apples. Apples, particularly those with deep red skin pigments (such as red delicious) are high in procyanidins and anti-oxidant agents. The old adage 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away' is true for this low calorie, cholesterol fighting food.

#2 Tomatoes. The bright red skin and flesh of tomatoes contains a high level of lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant that help reduce the chances of plaque formation in your arteries which results in heart disease. Tomatoes are part of Mediterranean Diets, often found to be one of the most healthful and life extending diets in the world.

#3 Olive Oil. One of the biggest causes of heart disease is due to our overconsumption of saturated fats and trans fats - both are found in much of the processed foods we eat or are served in restaurants. By substituting theses two heart unhealthy foods with Olive Oil, studies show that heart disease may be reduced by 50%!

#4 Salmon. It's common to hear news reports of the healthy benefits of salmon and other wild (as opposed to farm raised salmon which often contains high levels of PCBs) salmon. This Omega 3 source helps lower the potential of blot clot formation in your arteries and lower cholesterol build-up. If you can't find a good source of wild salmon, to be eaten twice weekly at minimum, opt for a fish oil substitute in supplement form.

#5 Green Tea. This beverage has a number of heart healthy benefits. It helps lower the chances of blood clot formation and helps to enhance the health of tissues that line the walls of your heart.

#6 Spinach. This green leafy vegetable contains a high level of nutrients with a low calorie count - the type of food all diabetics should seek out. Nutrients in spinach help prevent cholesterol causing plaque formations in your arteries.

#7 Garlic. This low cost, high nutrient food provides a range of healthy benefits, including the ability to help block the formation of plaque.

#8 Whole Grain Breads and Cereals. Whole grain products (including fruit) are high in fiber. Based on recent studies, diabetics that eat a diet high in whole grains experience both lower cholesterol levels and lowered blood sugar readings.

#9 Chromium Supplementation. Research studies have shown that chromium (specifically niacin-bound chromium known as ChromeMate) helps to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels

Many of the foods, ingredients and supplements mentioned here are good for everyone, particularly Type 2 diabetics. Even as good at this diet is, the American diet of supermarket foods still needs support from all natural supplements.

The key to restoring your cholesterol level and maintaining it is to eat healthy, eat in moderation and eat many mini-meals.

By following these guidelines, you can expect to restore your cholesterol and lower your chances of heart attack and stroke. Still, the American diet of supermarket foods is composed of too many processed foods, and still just cries out for support from all natural supplements.