The verification of the reliability of a triglyceride-glucose index and its availability as an advanced tool

Background The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been considered as insulin resistance (IR) assessment index. The current study aimed to verify the reliability of the TyG index as an IR assessment marker; the study of plasma fatty acids and body fat composition to determine potential metabolic syndrome (MetS) participants with a body mass index (BMI) of between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m(2). Methods The study included 378 overweight participants with a body mass index of between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m(2). They were divided into tertiles according to the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) or the TyG index. The role of the IR assessment index and the relationship with IR-related diseases and the risk factors using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry, computed tomography, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, was investigated. Results It was only in the TyG index tertile that the higher TyG index participants showed considerably higher LDL-cholesterol levels. More markedly, a close relationship was observed between the TyG index and the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with the HOMA-IR. Unlike HOMA-IR, with regard to the risks of developing chronic diseases, the MetS, the third tertile of the TyG index, showed an approximately 33.7 times greater odds ratio (OR) of the MetS occurring, compared with the first tertile of the TyG index. Conclusions The TyG index may be considered as an IR assessment index. In addition, the TyG index is an advanced tool that reflects the relevance of pro-inflammation levels and the presence of IR-related chronic diseases.

Automated summary

The study confirmed the reliability of the TyG index as an IR assessment marker and its close relationship with omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Higher TyG index participants had significantly increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome.