Lab test glossary · Cholesterol & lipids
Triglycerides: what it means
Also known as: TG, trig
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood; high levels often relate to diet, alcohol, and metabolic health, and very high levels carry their own risks.
What it measures
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body and in your blood, where they store unused calories for energy. Levels are strongly affected by recent meals, so this test is usually done fasting.
Typical range
Below 150 mg/dL is generally considered normal, 150–199 borderline, 200–499 high, and 500+ very high (which raises the risk of pancreatitis).
Reference ranges differ between labs and are printed on your own report — always read your result against that range, not a general one.
What a high result can mean
- Diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, or alcohol
- Being overweight, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome
- Not fasting before the draw
- Reduced thyroid function and some medications
A high value is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis — many causes are benign or temporary.
What a low result can mean
- Low-fat diet
- Overactive thyroid
- Rarely, malnutrition
Why the trend matters
Triglycerides respond quickly to diet and alcohol, so the trend across fasting draws is a fairly direct readout of recent metabolic and lifestyle changes.
When to talk to your doctor
Triglycerides above 200 mg/dL — and especially above 500 — should be discussed with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What causes high triglycerides?
Refined carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol are common drivers, along with being overweight, type 2 diabetes, and not fasting before the draw. Some thyroid conditions and medications also raise them.
How can I lower my triglycerides?
Triglycerides respond quickly to cutting back on sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol, plus exercise and weight loss. Very high levels (above ~500 mg/dL) also raise pancreatitis risk and should be managed with your doctor.
This page is general education about a common lab test — it isn’t medical advice and can’t interpret your specific result. What a value means depends on your history, symptoms, and the rest of your labs, which is a conversation for you and your clinician.