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The Question
12/28/09 08:56 AM

"Triglycerides went from 70 to 1066 in 3 months"
Asked By: mistick2  
Category: Men's Issues

Background Info Hide
Husband is 54, takes 20mg Lipitor & baby aspirin. Fasting morning Tests are: Cholesterol 231, Triglycerides 1066, HDL 22.7, Direct LDS 59, glucose 90. He is not diabetic, yet...Doctor said to stop eating Sugar & use Spenda instead? His pancrease is at risk. He is active physically (carpenter). What about CARBS? he seems to just look at the sugar content on foods, but shouldnt he look at carbs instead? How dangerous is this? He will get re-checked in 8 weeks. Thanks

Expert Answers (1)

12/30/09 08:58 AM

Hello,

Thanks for asking dLife.

When high serum triglyceride (hypertriglyceridemia) is diagnosed, secondary causes are sought out and controlled. For example, lowering a substantially elevated HbA1c may normalize the triglycerides; or at least facilitate their treatment. Since your husband's fasting glucose is 90, other factor(s) may be contributing to the hypertriglyceridemia.

Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, very high fat diet, and intake of large concentrations of refined carbohydrates (sugar and white flour products, fruit juices) can contribute to severe hypertriglyceridemia. Family history can also play a role.

Talk with a registered dietitian about establishing a program of progressive aerobic and toning exercise, and weight loss. Dietary management can significantly lower triglyceride levels and, in some cases, normalize them.

An individualized meal plan would include controlled amounts and types of fats and refined (simple) carbohydrates. Whole foods with ample dietary fiber would be emphasized. Over-the-counter fish oil supplementation may be beneficial.

If agressive lifestyle changes is slow in helping your husband to achieve target level within 2-3 months, explore other treatment options with your doctor. Prescription-strength fish oil and triglyceride-lowering medications may be considered.

Click here to read more about Hypertriglyceridemia: Treatment & Medication.

Take care.

Answered By: Liz Quintana
Accreditations: EdD, RD, LD, CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (1)

12/29/09 08:41 PM

The triglycerides are alarmingly high. A layman's approach is to view stomach fat as essentially triglycerides. Work to reduce it. Also, check the possible side effects of all the meds that are being taken. Some are known to raise triglycerides values. Diet is one way to reduce triglyceride values. And, yes, one should be looking at all carbs, not just sugar carbs. The current view is that some sugar may be OK, but include it in your carb count. It isn't easy to keep your carb count down. Everyone is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. DreamField pastas don't work for me, yet others are happy with this brand of lower net carbs. For me, brown rice isn't any better than white rice. They both spike my sugar levels. Testing sugar levels is your only guide to what may be working for you. An appointment with a registered diabetic nutritionist could help to get things going down the correct path. It isn't an easy process and requires a constant vigilence. Good luck.
Answered By: deanewilder
FLAG
SourcesShow



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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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