Summary

This article discusses elevated triglycerides (TGs) and whether they pose a concern. The question becomes relevant when treating, for example, a type 2 diabetic patient at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with elevated TGs and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lifestyle modifications including exercise, weight loss, diet, altered consumption of alcohol, and judicious and relevant medication use are sound. But the focus of treatment (CVD risk and/or pancreatitis risk and/or microvascular risk) is more problematic and contentious.