When you visit the doctor for a checkup, she may recommend having your triglyceride and glucose levels checked. These two molecules, which can both be measured through a simple blood test, can indicate your risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. While they are not the only health measures your doctor will likely want to keep track of, being aware of your blood glucose and triglyceride levels can help you determine whether you should make any lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.
Glucose
Glucose is a type of sugar created when other sugars or carbohydrates are broken down by the body. Glucose travels through the bloodstream; cells throughout the body use it as a source of energy. The amount of blood glucose in the body rises after a meal that contains carbohydrates. The pancreas produces insulin in response to rising blood sugar, and it is this hormone that helps the body use glucose molecules for energy. Someone who cannot make sufficient insulin or whose body cannot utilize the insulin produced by the pancreas can develop prediabetes or diabetes. People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience episodes of hyperglycemia, a condition in which blood glucose rises too high.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of lipid, or fat, created during the breakdown of dietary fat, carbohydrates and protein. They are transported through the blood and stored in fat tissue when not needed for energy. Hypertriglyceridemia develops when there are too many triglycerides in the bloodstream. This can occur if you consume too many calories, especially after you eat meals high in refined carbohydrates and fats. Sometimes, people with diabetes may develop hypertriglyceridemia as a result of the body converting excess blood glucose to triglycerides.
Impact
Having too much glucose or too many triglycerides in the bloodstream can cause major health problems, especially if levels remain too high for long periods of time. Hyperglycemia can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels when left untreated. Long-term hypertriglyceridemia raises the risk of coronary heart disease. Triglyceride levels should be kept below 150mg/dL. Blood glucose levels after a fast should be 99mg/dL or lower.
Other Considerations
Triglycerides and glucose in the blood are important indicators of overall health and disease risk, but they aren't the only factors you should be aware of. Other important health indicators include the levels of low density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol and high density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol in the blood. Blood pressure readings and body mass index can also be important for determining disease risk.
