In diabetes and prediabetes, blood glucose is not the only important test. Cholesterol and triglycerides help estimate cardiovascular risk and may indicate a metabolic syndrome profile.
What does a lipid profile include?
- total cholesterol – an overall value, but insufficient on its own;
- LDL cholesterol – associated with the risk of atherosclerosis;
- HDL cholesterol – usually considered protective when higher;
- triglycerides – often elevated with insulin resistance, fatty liver and excess weight.
Tests need to be interpreted alongside blood pressure, weight, family history, smoking, age and HbA1c levels.
Why do triglycerides rise?
Triglycerides can rise because of high sugar and alcohol intake, excess calories, insulin resistance, uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, some medicines or genetic predisposition. In many people, high triglycerides occur alongside low HDL and an increased waist circumference.
Which changes help?
- gradual weight loss if you have excess weight;
- reducing sugar, juice, alcohol and ultra-processed foods;
- more fibre: vegetables, pulses, oats and wholegrains;
- regular physical activity;
- a Mediterranean-style diet.
If levels are very high or you have diabetes, the doctor may recommend treatment. For context, you can use the online test interpretation service.
Useful related reading
The lipid profile is closely linked to metabolic fatty liver disease, blood pressure and weight management. A personalised nutrition plan can therefore address glucose, lipids and weight together.
