🍟 Why Triglycerides (and Cholesterol) Can Spike When You Cut Carbs
Most people cut carbs expecting an across-the-board win: lower blood sugar, better weight, and healthier labs. And yes—blood sugar (A1c) usually improves quickly. But cholesterol and triglycerides? They don’t always play along.
What’s Happening Inside?
Carbs are your body’s quick fuel. Cut them, and your body switches to fat for energy. That’s good for sugar control, but it also means more fat flows through your blood as triglycerides. And if your new diet leans too heavily on fried foods, butter, or lots of yolks, your liver may push out more cholesterol too.
As Dr. Ethan Weiss, a cardiologist, explains: “It’s not just about cutting carbs—it’s about what you replace them with that matters most.”
A Relatable Example 🥚
When I cut carbs, my A1c dropped from 5.7 to 5.4—a big win. But my cholesterol went up. Using the GlucoSpike AI app, I discovered the trigger: too many egg yolks. When I swapped more yolks for whites, both cholesterol and triglycerides started to fall.
(This was my story—your results may differ.)
Myth Busting 🚨
Myth: Cutting carbs automatically fixes cholesterol.
Truth: Not always—it depends on the fats you eat.Myth: Eggs are always bad.
Truth: For most, eggs in moderation are fine. But lots of yolks can push cholesterol up in some people.Myth: A triglyceride spike means failure.
Truth: Often it’s just temporary while your body adjusts.
What About Keto? 🥓🥑
Keto takes carb-cutting to the extreme. Many people see quick wins in blood sugar and weight, and triglycerides often drop over time. But here’s the catch:
If your fats are mostly butter, cream, and bacon, cholesterol often shoots up.
If they’re olive oil, avocado, nuts, and fish, the results look much better.
Or as one lipid expert put it: “Keto can be magic or mayhem—it depends on your fat choices and how your body responds.”
The Bigger Picture
For most, cholesterol and triglycerides settle down once the body adapts—if the fats on your plate are healthy. But if fried or processed fats dominate, cholesterol can stay high even as your sugar numbers improve.
Your Game Plan 🏆
Celebrate the A1c drop—but track cholesterol too.
Favor olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, and fish over fried or processed fats.
If you eat eggs, experiment with yolk vs. whites to see how your body reacts.
If trying Keto, lean “Mediterranean Keto”—more avocado and olive oil, less bacon and butter.
Keep an eye on both sugar and cholesterol—don’t fly blind.
Bottom Line: Cutting carbs helps sugar. But the fats you replace them with decide whether cholesterol cheers you on—or spoils the party.