Triglycerides are the main type of fat in your blood. They store unused calories, especially from sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol.
- Normal range (adults)
- Below 150 mg/dL (below 1.69 mmol/L)
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Fasting for 9–12 hours gives the most reliable result.
- Also called
- Triglycerides, Serum triglyceride levels, Triglyceride, TG, TRIG, Serum Triglycerides, Fasting Triglycerides, Serum TG
Triglycerides normal range
| Group | mg/dLConventional units: US, South Asia | mmol/LSI units: UK, Europe, Australia, international |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Below 150 | Below 1.69 |
150–199 mg/dL is borderline high; 200 mg/dL or above is high.
Your report may use either unit system; labs in the Gulf often print both. Ranges also vary slightly between laboratories, so the range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Why is the Triglycerides test done?
They are part of the lipid profile and are closely linked to diabetes, fatty liver and heart disease.
What does a high Triglycerides level mean?
High triglycerides add to heart risk and are a sign of insulin resistance. Very high levels (above 500 mg/dL, 5.6 mmol/L) can cause pancreatitis, a painful and serious inflammation of the pancreas.
Common causes
- Sugar, sweets, sweet drinks and refined carbohydrates (white rice, white bread, bakery items)
- Alcohol
- Overweight and inactivity
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Underactive thyroid or kidney disease
- Some medicines and genetics
- Not fasting before the test
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Cut sugar, sweets, juices and soft drinks first; this often brings the biggest improvement
- Reduce portions of rice, bread and other refined carbohydrates; choose whole grains
- Avoid alcohol
- Eat oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) twice a week
- Exercise most days and lose excess weight
What does a low Triglycerides level mean?
Low triglycerides are usually not a concern.
Common causes
- Low-fat or low-calorie diet
- Overactive thyroid
- Malabsorption
Diet and lifestyle tips
- No action usually needed
When should you see a doctor?
Very high triglycerides (above 500 mg/dL or 5.6 mmol/L) need prompt medical review because of the pancreatitis risk.
Last updated
This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.