Dyslipidaemia in insulin resistance comprises elevated plasma triglycerides, decreased HDL, a preponderance of small, dense LDL and increased postprandial lipaemia. In terms of cause and effect, small, dense LDL, alimentary hyperlipidaemia and changes in HDL are consequences of elevated triglycerides. These abnormalities can become frequent if triglycerides exceed a threshold value of approximately 1.5 mmol/l. Therefore, it is mandatory to maintain plasma triglycerides as low as possible in noninsulin-dependent diabetic and insulin-resistant individuals to prevent the potentially atherogenic and metabolic consequences of hypertriglyceridaemia.