The first thing you should do if you are informed that you’re triglyceride levels are too high is to take a lifestyle inventory. Are you doing the following:

• Exercising regularly?

• Following a healthy, low fat diet, that is low in sugars and grains?

• Drinking only in moderation?

• Abstaining from cigarette and illegal drugs?

If you answer no to any of these questions, you need to make that lifestyle modification. You should also work very hard to get your weight into the normal zone.

Consult your doctor about any current medication you are taking. It is possible that a medication being taken for an unrelated problem is worsening your triglyceride situation. If you are a diabetic, ensure that you are taking good control of your condition. Only then should you consider medication to lower your triglyceride levels. Niacin and gemfibrozil are particularly effective when triglyceride elevation is the only  abnormality present.