Association of triglyceride glucose index with waist circumference in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus: An observational study

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) constitutes a vital pathophysiological marker of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome, playing a contributory role in various cardiometabolic disorders. The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) is emerging as a novel indicator of IR. Objectives: The study’s objectives included examining the relationship of TyG index with waist circumference (WC), glycemic control and macrovascular and microvascular complications in T2DM patients. Methods: The research was conducted as an observational and cross-sectional study over 6 months. Data analysis involved standard statistical methods. Results: Hundred patients were examined, and data showed a mean age of 52.27 ± 9.95 years, 60 men, and 40 women. The average duration of T2DM was 7.19 ± 6.65 years. In total, 26% and 55% of patients suffered from one or more macrovascular and microvascular complications, respectively. The average body mass index was 29.2 ± 4.1 kg/m 2 and WC was 91.2 ± 5.1 cm. Poor glycemic control was reflected by HbA1c of 8.89% ±1.19%. The mean TyG index was 5.1 ± 0.25. Positive associations were obtained between TyG index and WC, waist-height ratio and HbA1c. TyG index was significantly higher in those with various diabetic complications, except for neuropathy. Conclusion: TyG index correlates strongly with waist size and glycemic control. This simple marker could complement existing methods in evaluating and monitoring the risk of future cardiovascular morbidity in diabetes.