How do physicians treat patients with high triglyceride levels?
Triglycerides respond to both diet and medications. It is very important to know that since uncontrolled diabetes causes an elevation of triglycerides, any behavior modification or drug (and especially insulin) that improves blood glucose control will lower triglycerides. Dietary modifications to lower triglycerides are listed below. Statins and other drugs that lower cholesterol such as Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol, Crestor Zetia and Vytorin have only minimal effects on triglycerides. Several drugs do an excellent job of lowering triglycerides (see below). Many people with type 2 diabetes will require two or even three different drugs to bring their LDL and triglycerides to target and raise their HDL cholesterol. However, most specialists believe that lowering the LDL to target is the most important goal. Lowering triglycerides and raising HDL are secondary goals to be addressed after the LDL goal is achieved. Clinical adviser’s note: For more information on medications to treat lipid di
