Metabolic changes while on ART

Metabolism refers to the range of physical and chemical processes which maintain the human body, including the processes of turning fat and sugar into energy. A number of metabolic disorders have been reported among people taking antiretroviral therapy. These include:

  • High triglycerides.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Insulin resistance.
  • Diabetes.
  • High blood sugar (glucose).
  • High levels of lactate.
  • Elevated ALT (a liver enzyme).

Lipid is the general term for fats carried in the blood. Lipids are bound to proteins in complexes called lipoproteins, which are carried through the bloodstream. The principal forms of lipids are triglycerides and cholesterol.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.