Association of the triglyceride-glucose index with carotid intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetes: effect modification by age and albuminuria—a retrospective cross-sectional study

The association between the TyG index and IMT exhibits stage-specific and population-heterogeneous patterns. A significant, ACR-dependent positive correlation was observed, with the association being pronounced in patients with elevated ACR (>30 mg/g) and in those younger than 50 years. These findings suggest that the pro-atherogenic effect of insulin resistance is more pronounced in diabetic patients with early albuminuria or in younger individuals, underscoring the need for enhanced vascular management to reduce insulin resistance in these high-risk populations.