Why do diabetics often have high blood fat?

Triglycerides are a form of fat (lipid) in the blood. The body both produces and absorbs triglycerides from food, then stores them in tissues for use as energy. Along with cholesterol, triglycerides are important fat components in the blood.

Fasting triglyceride test results below 150 mg/dL are considered normal. Levels between 200 and 499 mg/dL are considered high, while levels of 500 mg/dL or higher are very high. Hypertriglyceridemia can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, pancreatitis and nerve damage.

Hypertriglyceridemia is a common condition in diabetics. Obesity, insulin resistance, kidney failure and a fatty diet are common causes of this condition. In addition, poorly controlled blood sugar can also cause high triglyceride levels in the blood.

Not well controlled diabetes

Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes can cause blood sugar and insulin levels to increase in the body. When excess glucose exceeds the liver’s storage capacity, the body converts this sugar into fatty acids and then forms triglycerides. Triglycerides then enter the blood and accumulate in fatty tissue, increasing blood fat levels as well as body fat.

More calories consumed are greater than calories expended

The body uses triglycerides as a quick source of energy between meals. Excess calories that are not used tend to be stored in cells.

Obesity

Theo Very Well Healthpeople with large waist circumferences or high body mass index (BMI) often have higher than normal blood triglyceride levels. When the amount of fat accumulated under the skin and around the internal organs exceeds the body’s storage capacity, the excess fat will be released into the blood in the form of triglycerides, increasing the risk of dyslipidemia.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the body does not respond to insulin. This means that sugar cannot enter cells but remains in the blood. Insulin resistance leads to high insulin and glucose levels. People who do not have well-controlled diabetes often have higher triglyceride levels.

Kidney failure

People with diabetes are at higher risk of kidney failure than normal people. This is one of the common complications of the disease due to prolonged high blood sugar causing damage to small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing filtering function.

On the contrary, people with kidney failure often have difficulty controlling blood fat. The reason is that impaired kidney function can disrupt fat metabolism, causing the body to produce more triglycerides and reduce the ability to eliminate fat from the blood, leading to hypertriglyceridemia.

Eat lots of carbohydrates

When the body digests carbohydrates (carbs), they are broken down into glucose and absorbed into the blood. If the amount of glucose exceeds the body’s needs, the excess can be converted into triglycerides, increasing fat levels in the blood.

Foods high in carbohydrates include white bread, white rice, potatoes, sugary drinks, cookies, candy, cakes and some dairy products. According to Healthlinecarbohydrates are not “bad” foods but are an important source of energy in a balanced diet. Diabetics should control the amount of carbohydrates consumed and prioritize sources rich in fiber to support blood sugar and blood fat control.

Food and beverages

Some foods and drinks that can contribute to high triglyceride levels include simple sugars, processed meats, canned foods, fried foods high in saturated or trans fats, and alcoholic beverages.

As recommended by American Heart Associationdiabetics should maintain regular physical activity, limit sugar and refined starches, prioritize healthy fats from fatty fish and nuts, quit smoking, limit alcohol, and control blood sugar well to reduce triglyceride levels in the blood.