Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG Index)

The TyG Index, or Triglyceride-Glucose Index, is a diagnostic tool derived from fasting triglyceride and glucose levels, used to estimate insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in muscles, fat, and the liver don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily take up glucose from the blood, leading to elevated blood sugar and increased risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

High TyG Index values indicate higher levels of insulin resistance. Since insulin resistance often correlates with high triglyceride levels (as insulin normally helps to regulate fat breakdown) and elevated fasting glucose, the TyG Index leverages these two markers to produce an accessible, low-cost metric.

Benefits of the TyG Index

• Non-Invasive and Cost-Effective: It only requires basic lab measurements (triglycerides and glucose).

• Useful Screening Tool: It provides a simple measure of insulin resistance risk, which can prompt further testing if necessary.

• Correlation with Metabolic Health: Research supports the TyG Index’s correlation with metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, and other insulin-resistant conditions.

In clinical practice, the TyG Index is considered a reliable tool for early detection and monitoring of insulin resistance, especially when used alongside other clinical assessments.

Ranges for insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:

• Insulin Resistance Risk:

• Low Risk: TyG Index < 4.5

• Moderate Risk: TyG Index 4.5 - 4.8

• High Risk: TyG Index > 4.8

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Risk:

• Low Risk: TyG Index < 4.6

• Moderate Risk: TyG Index 4.6 - 5

• High Risk: TyG Index > 5