Insight into your triglycerides.
Triglycerides are the fats the body stores as energy. The level is strongly influenced by your last meal and by alcohol, and is linked to lifestyle, weight, and blood sugar regulation.
Also known as: TG, blood fats
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
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Background
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are the main storage form of fat in the body. Energy you do not use immediately is stored as triglycerides in the fat tissue and released again when needed. In the blood they are transported by lipoproteins. After a meal the level rises noticeably and then falls again. This is why a reliable measurement is usually taken while fasting.
Triglycerides are expressed in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The value is sensitive to lifestyle: alcohol, high sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, excess weight, and little physical activity are associated with higher values. There is also a strong link with blood sugar regulation, as elevated triglycerides often occur together with insulin resistance and a low HDL level. Triglycerides thus form a link between the lipid profile and the metabolic picture.
In brief
Energy storage
The storage form of fat in the body
Meal sensitive
Rises noticeably after eating
Alcohol
Can raise the value considerably
Metabolic link
Linked to blood sugar regulation
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Triglycerides be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Triglycerides can provide insight.
Insight into your blood fats
A test gives a snapshot of the fats your body stores as energy.
With questions about weight and waist size
Elevated triglycerides often occur with excess weight, particularly with fat around the abdomen.
With questions about your blood sugar
Triglycerides are linked to insulin resistance. Many people therefore combine this test with glucose or HbA1c.
Tracking the effect of lifestyle changes
Triglycerides respond relatively quickly to less alcohol, less sugar, more exercise, and weight loss.
As part of the lipid profile
Triglycerides are assessed alongside LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. Together they give the complete picture.
After a previously elevated value
Those who previously had an elevated value often have triglycerides retested after adjusting their lifestyle.
What your result means
How do we read your Triglycerides level?
Triglycerides are measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The laboratory supplies the reference ranges. Bear in mind that the value is strongly influenced by your last meal and by alcohol in the preceding days. Our doctor takes this into account in the interpretation.
A low value
A low triglyceride level is generally regarded as favourable for the lipid profile. It says nothing about your other risk factors, such as LDL, blood pressure, and weight. Very low values are uncommon and rarely a problem. Our doctor provides context where needed.
A value within the reference ranges
A value within the laboratory reference ranges gives a reassuring picture for this marker. If you were not fasting, the value may be higher than your true fasting level. Please mention this during your intake so the doctor can interpret your result correctly.
An elevated value
An elevated value can be linked to alcohol consumption, a carbohydrate-rich diet, excess weight, little physical activity, insulin resistance, or a non-fasting sample. An underactive thyroid, reduced kidney function, certain medications, and hereditary predisposition can also play a role. Strongly elevated values are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Our doctor provides an explanation and advises when it is wise to consult your GP.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your triglycerides against the laboratory reference ranges and your personal context, whether you were fasting, your lifestyle, weight, alcohol consumption, medication use, and other lipids.
Related tests
Often combined with Triglycerides.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Triglycerides with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a triglycerides test?
Yes. We advise fasting for 9 to 12 hours and drinking only water during that period. Triglycerides rise noticeably after a meal, which makes a non-fasting measurement harder to interpret.
Why does alcohol affect my triglycerides?
The liver processes alcohol as a priority and produces extra triglycerides while doing so. Even a single evening of drinking can raise the value for the following days. Preferably avoid alcohol in the days before the test.
What is the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Triglycerides are the storage form of energy. Both are transported in the blood by lipoproteins and both belong to the lipid profile, but they are different substances with different roles.
What raises my triglycerides?
Alcohol, high sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, excess weight, and little physical activity are associated with higher values. An underactive thyroid, reduced kidney function, certain medications, pregnancy, and hereditary predisposition can also contribute.
How quickly do triglycerides fall with a lifestyle change?
Triglycerides respond relatively quickly. Less alcohol and less sugar can have an effect within a few weeks. Retesting after 6 to 12 weeks generally gives a good picture.
What is the link with my blood sugar?
Elevated triglycerides often occur together with insulin resistance, in which the body responds less sensitively to insulin. This is why triglycerides are often reviewed together with glucose or HbA1c.
How often should I measure triglycerides?
A single measurement is sufficient for initial insight. After a previously elevated value, or during a lifestyle programme, retesting after a few months is common.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and a doctor's explanation. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or adjusting your diet, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your triglycerides?
For €49 you receive your triglyceride level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order Triglycerides for €49 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Triglycerides with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
49,-
All-in, blood draw included