What Triglycerides tells you
Lipid and inflammation markers that clinicians may consider as part of a long-term heart-health picture, alongside other factors and clinical judgement.
Which Honed panels include Triglycerides
Triglycerides is measured in the Essential Panel and Performance Panel. Every sample is collected at a pathology collection centre and processed at a NATA-accredited laboratory against NHFA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure online report.
Why Triglycerides matters
Triglycerides are a form of dietary fat and are the primary vehicle for transporting energy from food through the bloodstream. Fasting triglyceride levels are used clinically as a marker of metabolic health and carbohydrate metabolism. Elevated fasting triglycerides are associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk. Triglycerides are highly responsive to diet (particularly carbohydrate and sugar intake), weight management, and exercise.
The range explained
Low levels
Low triglycerides (below 0.6 mmol/L) are generally favorable, indicating good metabolic health and carbohydrate tolerance.
Normal range
Reference range: 0.6–1.7 mmol/L is generally considered normal. Values below 1.2 mmol/L are often considered desirable.
High levels
Elevated triglycerides (above 1.7 mmol/L, particularly above 2.3 mmol/L) are associated with metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk.
What affects Triglycerides
- Training: Regular exercise, especially aerobic and resistance training, lowers triglycerides. Sedentariness elevates triglycerides.
- Nutrition: Refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and excess alcohol elevate triglycerides. Fibre, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, and moderate carbohydrate intake support lower triglycerides. Weight loss significantly improves triglycerides.
- Sleep: Sleep deprivation elevates triglycerides. Consistent sleep improves triglyceride levels.
- Stress: Chronic stress can elevate triglycerides through metabolic and hormonal pathways.
When to retest
Every 12 weeks if elevated or being optimized; every 12 months for general health.
Why athletes care
Athletes monitor triglycerides as a marker of metabolic health and carbohydrate tolerance; elevated triglycerides alongside elevated fasting insulin indicate insulin resistance and metabolic stress.
Related cardiovascular markers
FAQ
What does the Triglycerides blood test measure?
A blood fat that can be affected by diet, alcohol, and carbohydrate intake. It is part of a standard lipid picture interpreted by a clinician.
Which Honed Health panels include Triglycerides?
Triglycerides is included in the Essential and Performance panels.
What unit is Triglycerides measured in?
Triglycerides is reported in mmol/L, measured at NATA-accredited laboratories against NHFA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure report.