Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store excess calories from food and are released for energy between meals. High triglycerides contribute to atherosclerosis and, when extreme (>500 mg/dL), can cause acute pancreatitis.
Normal Range
Normal: <150 mg/dL; Borderline: 150–199; High: 200–499; Very high: ≥500
Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Always interpret your result in context with your doctor.
Why is Triglycerides measured?
Triglycerides are part of the standard lipid panel. They are particularly informative when combined with HDL — a high triglyceride/HDL ratio is one of the best non-laboratory markers of insulin resistance.
High Triglycerides means…
High triglycerides increase cardiovascular risk and signal poor metabolic health. Above 500 mg/dL there is a meaningful risk of pancreatitis. The most common drivers are alcohol, refined carbohydrates, and untreated diabetes.
Low Triglycerides means…
Low triglycerides are not a clinical concern.
Symptoms associated with abnormal Triglycerides
When Triglycerides is high:
- Usually no symptoms
- Severe elevation: abdominal pain, nausea (pancreatitis)
- Eruptive xanthomas (yellow bumps) in extreme cases
When Triglycerides is low:
- No symptoms
How to improve your Triglycerides
- Reduce alcohol — even a few drinks can spike triglycerides.
- Cut sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates; these drive triglycerides more than dietary fat.
- Omega-3 from fatty fish (or fish oil) reduces triglycerides 20–30% at 2–4 g/day.
- Aerobic exercise lowers triglycerides; even short walks after meals help.
Frequently asked questions about Triglycerides
Why does the lab require fasting for triglycerides?
Triglycerides rise sharply after meals and stay elevated for 8–12 hours. Fasting gives a baseline reading. Modern guidelines accept non-fasting values for screening, but fasting is preferred when triglycerides are previously high.
What is the triglyceride/HDL ratio?
Triglycerides ÷ HDL is one of the best simple markers of insulin resistance. A ratio above 3.5 (or 2 in mmol/L) suggests metabolic dysfunction even if individual values are within range.
Medical Sources
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your individual results.