In Reply to: triglycerides posted by Cheryle on November 22, 2000 at 08:11:35:
: I have been diagnosed as being in the early stages of diabetes type 11. My bigest problem is that my triglycerides are high. I was diagnosed 4 months ago, since then I have been wonderfully careful with my diet and I have exercised consistently, swimming 1 km. at least once a week, walked for at least 30 minutes every day, at least two often four times a week I have actually powerwalked 5-10 km. I have only lost 5 kilograms in that time which surprises me, but I know muscle is heavier than fat. My biggest concern is that after all that hard work, my triglycerides have actually gone up. Foour months ago they were 3.4 mmol/L and this time they were 4.1 mmol/L. i am terribly upset after all the work I have done.
: I have always had a low fat diet and now it I have only about 10 mg of fat per day, whereas I used to have 20-30mg per day. Why is it so hard to lose weight and get my levels down? Can you give me any more advice?
: Thank you for your help and interest
It's not the fat in your diet that has the biggest effect on triglycerides, but the carbohydrates, and in particular the sugars and starches (flour, potatoes, rice, etc.) The carbohydrates get turned into bloodsugar which in turn gets turned into fatty acids if you don't use it for energy immediately. And triglycerides are these fatty acids. Cut back on the carbohydrates, eat more protein and non-starchy vegetables, and I bet your triglycerides will come down. Alan S.