There is a strong relationship between triglycerides and diabetes. Triglycerides are one of the three forms of blood lipids (fats) the other two are LDL and HDL cholesterols. HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol because it prevents blood vessels from being blocked. LDL “bad” cholesterol can clog and narrow blood vessels. Triglycerides are naturally formed in the blood after the consumption of carbohydrates or fatty foods. Triglycerides account for 99% of the fat stored in the body and act as a source of long-term energy. The formation of fat happens between meals or overnight when insulin levels are low.
Both high triglyceride and LDL levels are associated with heart attack and strokes. High cholesterol levels and triglycerides have been shown to increase the risk of diabetes. Additionally, they are two main factors in heart disease, which is the leading cause of death amongst diabetics. Following the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) recommendation, diabetics should have a blood test at least once a year if you have diabetes or a test every five years if your blood glucose levels are healthy. The ADA targets for blood lipids are: HDL cholesterol above 40 for men and 50 for women with triglycerides below 150.
High Triglycerides and Diabetes
High triglyceride levels often occur with low HDL cholesterol levels. The combination of these two factors with a form of atherogenic LDL cholesterol leads to the condition diabetic dyslipidemia. This metabolic syndrome occurs in 80% of people with diabetes and is also marked by obesity. All these factors have been shown to increase the likelihood of premature death from heart disease. High triglycerides are considered between 200-499 mg/dL with very high levels being 500 mg/dL and greater. It is not uncommon for diabetics to have levels between 400 and 2,000 mg/dL. Any level above 1,000 mg/dL can cause skin lesions (xanthomas), abdominal pain, memory loss, and pancreatitis.
In diabetics triglycerides are measured by a fasting (12 hours) blood test as they can be high before and after a meal.
Treatment for High Triglycerides and Diabetes
Firstly, triglycerides respond to diet and a healthy eating plan should be created. This works two-fold by helping to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range and lowering triglycerides. Some key points are a reduction in the total consumption of carbohydrates, refined flours and sugars, and alcohol paired with an increase in monosaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. When medications are needed, diabetes medications, particularly insulin, are also able to lower triglycerides by controlling blood sugar. However, beta-blockers may raise triglyceride levels. Contrary to belief, medications that lower cholesterol only have a minimal effect on triglycerides.
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