Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the main form of fat in your blood and an energy store. They are formed from food (especially sugar and alcohol) and your body stores or uses them. A high level is often a sign of metabolic imbalance.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Good | below 1.1 mmol/L | Your blood lipids are low. |
| Worth improving | 1.1 – 1.7 mmol/L | Slightly elevated — less sugar and alcohol. |
| Talk to a doctor | 1.7 mmol/L and above | Elevated — a metabolic signal; take action + seek advice. |
Why it matters
>1.7 mmol/L is a risk factor and a sign of metabolic strain (ESC/EAS).
If it’s low
Low triglycerides are mostly favorable; markedly low values are rare (fasting, malnutrition).
If it’s high
Elevated triglycerides show that your body is taking in more sugar/fat than it uses — often alongside insulin resistance. They respond very well to diet, movement and less alcohol.
What to do
Today: skip the sugary drink, add a walk, limit alcohol. Triglycerides often drop sharply within a few weeks.
Read together with
HDL cholesterol · Fasting glucose · ApoB · HbA1c
Part of the guide: Cholesterol & lipids →
Articles about this marker
- Blood biomarkers of metabolic health: what to measure and whyMetabolic health
- Blood test reference values — table by test for adultsReading your report
- How to lower cholesterol and ApoB naturally: an action planHow to improve
- How to prepare for a blood test — fasting or not, water, coffee, medication, exercisePreparing for a blood test
- How to steady your blood sugar: an action planHow to improve
- Triglycerides and HDL: what they mean and how to improve themMarker explained
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
Your number, not the average
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