Elevated triglyceride levels do not cause elevated glucose levels. Rather, both are symptoms of the same problem -- insulin resistance, also known as pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Insulin is a "transportation hormone" produced by your pancreas. Its job is to move substances from your bloodstream into your cells. High levels of sugar and fat in your blood usually means there is a lack of insulin or your body has lost sensitivity to the hormone.
Glucose and Triglycerides
The carbohydrates you eat are converted into glucose for use as energy. Eat more than you need, and that extra glucose is taken to your liver and turned into a type of fat -- triglycerides -- to be stored for later use. Then when you need energy between meals or while you're sleeping, your body can convert triglycerides from fat back into fuel. You need insulin to make this happen -- it's insulin that moves glucose and triglycerides around your bloodstream to the proper cells. If you have high levels of glucose and triglycerides, it's typically a sign that there's an insulin problem.
Insulin Resistance
If your pancreas still produces insulin but your body doesn't use it effectively, that can be a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is also called metabolic syndrome; it's not a single health problem, but rather a cluster of signs that elevate your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Besides elevated glucose and triglyceride levels, signs of metabolic syndrome include high cholesterol, hypertension and obesity -- particularly excess abdominal fat. Fortunately, lifestyle changes, including weight loss, diet modifications and increased activity levels, can fight metabolic syndrome.
Carbohydrates
You do not need to limit carbohydrate intake to fight insulin resistance, but you do need to limit your intake of sugar -- the simple carbohydrate your body can most easily convert to glucose. A high-sugar diet floods your bloodstream with glucose. Your pancreas responds by releasing insulin; often too much insulin is produced because of the rapid increase in blood sugar. Excess insulin leads to low blood sugar -- signaling your brain that you need more glucose. You feel hungry, often craving more sugar. This rollercoaster of high and low blood sugar leads to overeating, weight gain and insulin resistance as your cells become desensitized to insulin. Choose complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains.
Suggestions
Excess body fat interferes with insulin absorption; losing weight will increase your body's sensitivity to insulin. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most, but preferably all, days of the week, and a weight-loss diet high in fiber. Fiber is an indigestible plant material that helps slow digestion and regulate glucose and insulin production. Because your body can't break down fiber, it adds bulk without adding calories and can promote weight loss by helping you consume fewer calories.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Triglycerides -- Why Do They Matter?; June 2011
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes
- "American Family Physician"; Insulin Resistance Syndrome; Goutham Rao, M.D; March 2001
- Women to Women; An Introduction to Insulin Resistance; Marcelle Pick; April 2011
