What the value means
Triglycerides are the main storage form of fat and are carried in the blood by lipoproteins. Laboratories usually give an upper limit of around 1.7 mmol/L, some slightly higher. From a prevention standpoint, however, a lower value is usually more favourable – raised triglycerides often accompany insulin resistance, a higher number of risky particles (ApoB) and fatty liver. Levels after a meal are naturally higher, so it makes sense to compare samples taken under the same conditions.
Possible causes
- Alcohol – even regular modest amounts raise triglycerides markedly.
- Sugar and refined carbohydrates – sugary drinks, sweets, white bread; fructose in particular is turned into fat in the liver.
- Insulin resistance – abdominal fat, little exercise; often together with higher glucose and insulin.
- Non-fasting sample – a fatty dinner or breakfast before the test distorts the result.
- Underactive thyroid and kidneys – can raise triglycerides.
- Some medicines and genetics – discuss medicines with your doctor rather than stopping them.
What you can do
- Cut down on alcohol – even a break of a few weeks often makes a clear difference.
- Drop sugary drinks – and limit sweets and white bread.
- Fish twice a week – oily fish is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Regular exercise – combining walking, endurance and strength training lowers triglycerides and insulin resistance.
- Weight loss – just 5–10 % can lower triglycerides substantially.
- Fasting recheck – after 2–3 months, together with glucose, insulin and HbA1c.
When to see a doctor
Discuss the result with your doctor if your triglycerides are repeatedly raised, especially together with higher glucose, LDL or ApoB, or if cardiovascular disease runs in your family. Seek care promptly for very high values (on the order of 10 mmol/L or more, where the risk of pancreatitis rises) or severe abdominal pain.