Triglycerides are types of fat (lipids) found in the blood. They store excess calories and serve as a source of energy essential for the activity of body tissues. In addition to triglycerides there are other types of lipids in the blood called cholesterol. Cholesterol plays an important role in building healthy cells.  Low density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol, causes narrowing of the arteries. High density lipoproteins (HDL), which is considered good cholesterol, diverts excess cholesterol to the liver. A simple blood test called a lipid profile will tell you what your triglyceride and cholesterol levels are.

A high level of triglycerides happens if more calories are eaten than you burn, especially from high-carb foods. When you eat, your body converts all the calories that it does not need to use immediately into triglycerides.

High triglycerides may signal insulin resistance, a condition that causes insulin receptive fat and muscle cells in the body to become less responsive to insulin. This causes glucose and insulin levels to rise higher than normal in the blood. Having high triglycerides and insulin resistance may be a sign you are one step closer to type 2 diabetes or have prediabetes (when glucose levels are high, but not enough to equal diabetes), or you have type 2 diabetes.

High triglycerides on their own and especially with a combination of diabetes contribute to:

  • hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls (arteriosclerosis).
  • Increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
  • Risk of acute inflammation of the pancreas.

The key for lowering triglycerides and boosting “good” cholesterol is embracing healthy lifestyle changes.

Here are the recommendations:

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week. You can incorporate the activities into your daily life using the stairs and not the elevator or take a walk during breaks.
  • Avoid sugar and foods made with white flour or fructose.
  • Lose extra weight – remember that extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. Reducing your calories will reduce triglycerides.
  • Use healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and canola. Avoid trans fats or foods with hydrogenated oils or fats.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink.
  • Quit smoking.

http//www.mayoclinic.org/ diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186

htps://www.webmd.com/diabetes/high-triglycerides

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