Triglyceride-glucose index association with kidney function in adults; a population-based study
Yahya Pasdar1, Sepideh Kazemi Neya2, Hamid Reza Nikbakht3
1Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
BMC Endocrine Disorders
|October 22, 2025
Summary
The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a marker of insulin resistance, is associated with reduced kidney function. Higher TyG index levels significantly increase the odds of developing kidney dysfunction, highlighting its role in kidney disease risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Nephrology
- Metabolic Syndrome Research
- Public Health and Epidemiology
Background:
- Insulin resistance, characterized by hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia, is a known risk factor for kidney dysfunction.
- The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index offers a potential method for assessing kidney dysfunction risk.
- This study investigated the association between the TyG index and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction in adults in western Iran.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the impact of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index on the reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in adults.
- To evaluate the TyG index as a predictor for kidney dysfunction in a specific population.
- To explore the relationship between lipid and glucose metabolism markers and kidney health.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 9,661 adults (aged 35-65) from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort.
- Calculation of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index using the formula: ln [triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2].
- Definition of kidney dysfunction as an eGFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m², with analysis of confounding factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of reduced eGFR was 10.81% in the study population.
- Individuals in the highest quartile of the TyG index exhibited significantly higher rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dyslipidemia.
- Elevated TyG index levels were strongly associated with an increased odds of kidney dysfunction (eGFR reduction), particularly in the third and fourth quartiles (OR: 1.47 and 1.75, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Imbalances in lipids and glucose, as indicated by the TyG index, serve as potential markers for diminished kidney function.
- The findings suggest that patients with elevated TyG index values should be screened for kidney disease.
- The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index may be a valuable tool for early identification of individuals at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
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