Two studies recently reported on the connection between high triglycerides and diabetic related amputations. Published recently online in Diabetes (2009) and Lancet (2009), one linked high triglycerides to diabetic neuropathy, (the leading cause of amputations in diabetics) while the other study showed that controlling high levels of triglycerides through fenofibrate helped reduce the number of amputations.

Triglycerides come mainly from our diet although some is made in our liver because of the important role they serve in cell structure, hormone production and energy. Obesity and a sedentary life-style contribute to high levels of triglycerides in our body. Fenofibrate is one medication used specifically to reduce high levels.

Your lipid levels (includes total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins) levels should be checked once every 5 years if they are normal and you have no other risk factors, or yearly if you have coronary artery disease, diabetes or certain other chronic conditions. If you are already on lipid-lowering medications, your lipid panel should be checked yearly if stable, more frequently if not.

If your triclycerides are high (>150 mg/dL) you’ll want to get them under control. Continually high triglycerides in addition to contributing to an increased risk of diabetic amputations, can also lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. You’ll want to limit or avoid alcohol, avoid food high in cholesterol and take triglyceride-lowering agents like fenofibrate.

I want patients to know their numbers and review with them the significiance of each. Remember that diet and exercise help reduce blood sugar levels, high triglycerides and high LDLS.

Be sure to talk with your provider about what you can do to lower your risk of diabetic amputations as well as decrease  your overall risk of complications associated with diabetes.