Association of Triglyceride Glucose Index (TYG Index) with Hba1c in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge associated with significant metabolic and cardiovascular risks. The Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index, a marker of insulin resistance and metabolic risk, has gained prominence as a tool to assess the interplay between glycemic control and lipid metabolism. Understanding its association with HbA1c levels may provide insights into better managing patients with type 2 diabetes. Objectives: To assess HbA1c levels and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, calculate the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index, and study the association between the TyG index and HbA1c levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 12 months, involving 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants were aged above 18 years and diagnosed per ADA criteria. Following written informed consent, a detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations, including FBS, PPBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, RFT, and LFT, were conducted. Patients were categorized based on HbA1c levels (≤7.0% and >7.0%), and the TyG index was calculated using the formula: log [(fasting triglycerides) * (fasting plasma glucose) / 2]. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26.0, with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.26 years (SD = 7.82). The mean FBS and triglyceride levels were 137.10 mg/dL (SD = 49.47) and 179.36 mg/dL (SD = 94.42), respectively, while the mean HbA1c was 8.62% (SD = 2.52), indicating poor glycemic control in many patients. Nearly 46% of participants had HbA1c levels above 8%. The TyG ratio demonstrated a significant increase with rising HbA1c levels, from a mean of 4.5980 in the <6% group to 5.3908 in the >10% group (p < 0.001). Hypertriglyceridemia was strongly associated with poor glycemic control (p < 0.001), while other lipid parameters showed minimal changes. Conclusion: This study established a significant association between the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index and HbA1c levels, emphasizing the role of metabolic dysregulation in poorly managed type 2 diabetes. These findings underscore the importance of effective glycemic control to mitigate metabolic and cardiovascular risks in this population.