Triglyceride/glucose index is a reliable alternative marker for insulin resistance in South American overweight and obese children and adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the triglyceride/glucose index (TyG index) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Additionally, we compared the ability of the TyG index and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) index and the combination of these two indices (TyG index plus TG/HDL-c) to predict insulin resistance (IR) in South American overweight and obese children and adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in 345 overweight adolescents aged 10–18 years, from both the sexes. The TyG index was calculated as Ln (fasting triglycerides [mg/dL] × fasting glucose [mg/dL])/2, while the TG/HDL-c index was calculated by the division of TG (mg/dL) by HDL-c (mg/dL). HOMA-IR was calculated with the formula: fasting insulin (FI) (U/mL) × fasting glucose (mmol/L)/22.5. The cut-off point used to determine the presence of IR was HOMA-IR ≥ 3.16. Results The TyG index showed a positive correlation with HOMA-IR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the TyG index was 0.74, indicating good sensitivity (75.7%) and specificity (67.4%). Furthermore, the TyG index cut-off point of >4.44 was established for IR prediction in this population. Conclusions The TyG index is a simple and cost-effective surrogate marker of IR in South American overweight children and adolescents. Moreover, due to its good accessibility, it can be used in large epidemiological studies.