Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control conditions that can raise triglyceride levels such as obesity, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.

Your doctor may tell you not to drink alcohol. Because certain birth control pills can raise triglyceride levels, you should carefully discuss their use with your doctor.

Treatment also involves avoiding excess calories and foods high in saturated fats and carbohydrates.

If high triglyceride levels persist despite diet changes, medication may be needed. Nicotinic acid and gemfibrozil have been shown to lower triglyceride levels in persons with this condition.

Expectations (prognosis):

Persons with this condition have an increased risk of coronary artery disease and pancreatitis.

Losing weight and keeping diabetes under control helps improve the outcome.

Complications:

• Pancreatitis
• Coronary artery disease