By Adam Garcia
In diabetic dictionary today, we will continue our discussion on the lipid panel. Specifically we will be talking about triglycerides, what are they and how do they affect a diabetic person’s cholesterol level. In some ways, the molecules called triglycerides are the easiest to understand.
Simply put, triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists. They are in food as well as in the body. A high triglycerides level can increase the risk of heart disease. Just what your triglyceride levels mean and how much lowering triglycerides reduces heart disease risk is less clear.
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are the main form of fat in the body. When you think of fat developing and being stored in your hips or belly, you’re thinking of triglycerides. Contemplate these items:
- The fat we eat exists in relatively huge molecules inside food. Triglycerides are the end product of digesting and breaking down these bulky fats.
- Any extra food we eat that’s not used for activity right away — carbohydrates, fat, or protein — is also chemically converted into triglycerides.
- Triglycerides are then bundled together into globules. These are transported through the blood. Proteins (called lipoproteins) help transport these triglyceride blobs.
- The triglycerides are taken up by adipose (fat) cells, to be used for energy if food isn’t available later — or during your next diet.
Triglycerides are measured using a common test called a lipid panel. It’s the same blood test that checks HDL and LDL levels. Expert groups like the American Heart Association now recommend that everyone over the age of 20 should get a lipid panel to measure all forms of cholesterol, including triglycerides.
What are normal and high triglyceride levels?
The National Cholesterol Education Program sets guidelines for triglyceride levels:
- Normal Less than 150 mg/dL
- Borderline-high 150 to 199 mg/dL
- High 200 to 499 mg/dL
- Very high 500 mg/dL or higher
These are based on fasting plasma triglyceride levels.
High triglyceride levels are a risk factor for heart disease. Experts disagree, though, on just how bad of an effect high triglyceride levels by themselves have on the heart.
The dispute division stems from the fact that high triglycerides have a tendency to “run with” other risk factors. High triglyceride levels often coexist with high total cholesterol and LDL (”bad cholesterol”), low HDL (”good cholesterol”), and diabetes.
Some research also suggests that high triglycerides are a more important risk factor for women than for men, although this is also disputed.
One point is clear, though: A healthy diet and exercise plan can lower triglyceride levels, improve cholesterol, and lower the risk of heart disease.
What can be done about high triglyceride levels?
The foremost way to deal with high triglyceride levels is through improved lifestyle. That means eating a healthier diet and getting more frequent exercise. Here are some guidelines to help you manage your triglyceride level. Moderate physical activity on five or more days each week can help lower triglyceride levels. Weight loss also lowers triglycerides and cholesterol. Reducing saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol in your diet can improve triglyceride levels as well as help manage cholesterol. Alcohol consumption has strong effects on triglyceride levels. Drinking more than one drink a day for women or two for men can raise triglyceride levels considerably. Some people with high triglycerides may need to cut out alcohol entirely. Eat more fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of red meat, which is high in saturated fat. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Medicine may be needed for certain people with high triglycerides. Several medicines can improve triglyceride levels:
- Statins, which also improve cholesterol levels
- Fibrates, the most potent reducers of triglyceride levels
- Nicotinic acid
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. High-doses of omega-3 are needed to lower triglycerides and should be taken only under a doctor’s care.
By taking steps to improve your triglyceride levels, you’ll likely improve your overall health, fitness, cholesterol levels, and risk for heart disease.
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