Association between estimated glucose disposal rate and gallstone risk in US adults based on NHANES 2017 to 2020

Gallstone disease is a prevalent health issue influenced by various factors, including insulin resistance. The estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) is a proxy measure of insulin sensitivity. This study aims to evaluate the association between eGDR and gallstone prevalence in the general population. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020. A total of 5947 participants were included. eGDR was calculated using waist-to-hip ratio and hypertension status and categorized into quartiles. The association between eGDR and gallstone prevalence was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. Lower eGDR values were significantly associated with higher prevalence of gallstones. In the fully adjusted model, each unit increase in eGDR was associated with a 23% reduction in gallstone prevalence (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.86). The association was more pronounced among females, younger participants, and those with a BMI ≥ 30. Lower eGDR, indicating greater insulin resistance, is associated with an increased prevalence of gallstones.