My numbers, and what to do?

[Asphodel]

Hi everybody. Cholesterol is a new health issue for me, among many other new health issues.

Could anyone tell me just how bad these numbers are, and if it's possible for me to turn them around as I continue my new diet and exercise plan for my other conditions?

These are the results that were mailed to me:

"Last lipid profile:

Cholesterol 199
Triglyceride 158
HDL (Cholesterol) 42
CHOL/HDLC 4.73
LDL (Cholesterol) 125
VLDL 32.0

Cholesterol: Desirable level is <200
Triglyceride: Desirable level is 50
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: Desirable level is <4.0
LDL (Bad cholesterol): Desirable level is <100"

I'm female, 30 years old, newly diagnosed diabetic (type 2) on thyroid medication (levothyroxine). 5'11, 250 lbs (and losing).

The letter also says "Again, your LDL is not good. It is 125. It was 121 in December. My recommendation is that you start a low-dose statin, Lipitor 20, so that we can get that LDL below 100. High LDL increases your risk of heart attack and stroke and vessel damage. Please let me know if you wish to start the Lipitor."

My father was on this medication and weaned himself off because he'd become inactive due to terrible muscle pain. I'm afraid to try it, but would like to reverse this since it's such a new issue. :(

What can I do to lower these, other than a statin?

And what is it that increases this, especially if I'm following the "Consistent Carbohydrate 1400" meal plan for my other health issues?

Why would this happen as I start to become healthier in almost every other way?

Is it hereditary?

[Asphodel]

Just noticed I made a typo in my results for the "Desirable level", it says Triglyceride 50, oops

[Asphodel]

Also, as a note, I was told my Triglycerides on the results would be inaccurate because I had just eaten lunch (it wasn't a fasting appointment) and they didn't expect to test that