Association Between Triglyceride–Glucose Index And Diabetes Risk In Periodontitis

Studies have identified the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index as a marker for diabetes, with emerging evidence suggesting a link to periodontitis [Zhang Q et al., Cardiovasc Diabetol, 2023, 22:279; Li W et al., J Clin Periodontol, 2023, 51:288-298]. This study aimed to examine the association between the TyG index and diabetes risk among individuals with periodontitis. The study approved by the NCHS Research Ethics Review Board. Individuals (aged ≥30, mean age: 56.2; 40% female) from NHANES 2009–2014 with periodontitis (≥2 clinical attachment loss ≥4 mm sites and ≥2 probing depth ≥5 mm sites) were included. TyG index was calculated as Ln[TG × FPG/2] and categorized into quartiles(Q1- Q4): <8.26, 8.26–8.63, 8.63–9.06, and ≥9.06. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were employed, adjusting for covariates. The association was demonstrated between TyG-WC and DM [ Q2: odds ratios, 2.08,95% CI,1.15–3.79, P=0.023; Q3: 3.43, 2.11–5.58, P<0.001; Q4: 14.21, 8.30–24.33, P<0.001]. Each 1-unit increment in TyG was associated with a 5.90-fold increase in DM risk (4.75–7.32, P<0.001), with the risk rising sharply when TyG exceeded 8.66. TyG index is significantly and nonlinearly associated with diabetes risk in periodontitis. TyG and TyG-WC may serve as early markers for identifying high-risk individuals.