HDL and Triglycerides

On your standard cholesterol panel, triglycerides and HDL are important markers of insulin resistance/sensitivity.

Lower HDL levels and higher triglyceride levels are often associated with diabetes/pre-diabetes/obesity and a good way to improve these numbers is to reduce simple carbohydrate consumption (sugar-sweetened beverages, cookies, crackers, bread, pasta, etc) and increase zone 2 exercise.

***Please keep in mind if you’ve just eaten a carbohydrate-rich meal and check your triglycerides, they will be elevated. It is important to check your triglyceride levels while fasting (nothing to eat or drink except water for 8-12 hours before a blood draw).