Boulder – November 06, 2026 -- An estimated 3.29 to 3.98 million U.S. adults have severe hypertriglyceridemia, but only 2.43 to 2.88 million have been diagnosed, according to a white paper released by the National Triglyceride Alliance. The gap implies roughly 0.86 to 1.10 million adults who are undiagnosed.
The paper, titled "Hidden in Plain Sight: The Unseen Burden of Very High Triglycerides," was supported by Ionis Pharmaceuticals. Patient, care partner, clinical and advocacy contributors helped develop it. It defines the condition as triglycerides of 500 mg/dL or higher.
Up to 3 in 100 diagnosed patients develop acute pancreatitis within three years
Guidelines call for evaluating underlying causes, nutrition counseling, specialist referral and coordinated follow-up. Patients in the paper describe brief, lifestyle-only advice and little discussion of pancreatitis risk. Many end up coordinating their own care, and some learn of the risk only after a life-threatening emergency.
Dr. David Saxon, a clinical contributor, said the healthcare system often knows who is at high risk before disaster occurs, yet frequently takes no action.
White paper sets out five shifts in care delivery
- Designing solutions with patients and care partners
- Replacing blame with understanding of the genetic and metabolic drivers of very high triglycerides
- Making a clear care pathway standard after every diagnosis
- Building multidisciplinary care around patients rather than healthcare silos
- Making evidence-based care the easy care within health systems
Chris Brine, Managing Director of the National Triglyceride Alliance, said, "People shouldn't have to experience pancreatitis before the condition is taken seriously."