Triglycerides are often bundled into routine cholesterol panels and overlooked. But they can provide powerful clues about how your body handles sugar, fat, and insulin. If you have diabetes, prediabetes, or signs of metabolic dysfunction, your triglyceride levels may tell you more than you think.

Let’s take a closer look at what they are and why they matter.

🧪 What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. After you eat, your body converts excess calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. Later, they’re released for energy between meals.

Some triglycerides in your blood are normal, but consistently high levels can signal underlying issues like insulin resistance.

📈 Why High Triglycerides Matter

Elevated triglycerides are often linked to:

• Insulin resistance

• Leptin resistance

• Type 2 diabetes

• Fatty liver disease

• Heart disease

When insulin isn’t working well, your body struggles to clear triglycerides from the bloodstream. This leads to rising levels that can reflect deeper metabolic problems.

Additionally, elevated triglycerides can contribute to leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone that signals to your body that you're "full" after eating and increases metabolism and energy levels.

🔍 What Is a Healthy Triglyceride Range?

• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

• Borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL

• High: 200 to 499 mg/dL

• Very high: 500 mg/dL or more

Levels above 150 may indicate your body is having trouble processing fats efficiently, especially in the context of elevated blood sugar or belly fat.

🧬 Triglycerides and Insulin Resistance

Triglycerides are closely tied to how your body responds to insulin. Here’s how they relate:

• High insulin levels raise triglycerides by increasing fat production in the liver

• High triglycerides impair insulin signaling, creating a feedback loop that worsens blood sugar control

• A high triglyceride-to-HDL ratio (for example, over 3:1) is a red flag for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome

In short, your triglycerides are not just about fat. They are also a marker for how well your metabolism is functioning overall.

💡 What Can You Do to Improve Triglycerides?

• Limit added sugars and refined carbs

• Choose healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish

• Avoid excessive alcohol, which directly raises triglycerides

• Stay physically active, as movement improves insulin sensitivity

• Talk to your medical provider about medications if lifestyle changes are not enough

📅 Want to Know What Your Triglycerides Are Telling You?

At Reach7, we help members uncover deeper insights from their lab results. Triglycerides, A1c, insulin, and more are tested on-site and reviewed one-on-one so you understand what’s going on and what to do next.

Book your visit today and get clarity on your metabolic health.