What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides on your report

Part of the lipid profile, in mg/dL, and you may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours.

For adults, MedlinePlus lists:

• below 150 as healthy
• 150 to 199 as borderline high
• 200 to 499 as high
• 500 or more as very high

Labs can vary slightly.

What triglycerides tell your doctor

High triglycerides raise your risk of heart disease, and very high levels can harm the pancreas.

They often go hand in hand with:

• diabetes that is not well controlled
• insulin resistance
• PCOS
• fatty liver
• extra weight around the waist

Because they react quickly to what you eat and drink, they are often one of the first numbers to improve when habits change.

What moves your triglycerides

Sugar and white flour are the biggest drivers.

Cut back on:

• sweets and mithai
• sugary chai, cold drinks and juices
• biscuits and maida-based snacks

Choose whole grains, dals, vegetables and whole fruit instead, and keep fried food occasional. Alcohol raises triglycerides sharply, so less is better.

Regular walking and losing some weight if needed also help. Ask your doctor before changing any medicine.