Comparison of Triglyceride-Glucose Index between Patients with Gallstone and Healthy Individuals

Triglyceride-glucose index is a product of triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and is a new index of insulin resistance found to correlate with direct measurements. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between gallstones and triglyceride-glucose index (TGI).

A total of 210 patients were included in this retrospective study. Overall, 105 patients with gallstones were included in the patient group. Patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases, malignant diseases, and patients using cholesterol-lowering drugs were excluded from the study. Healthy individuals (105 cases) were selected for the control group. TGI was calculated separately for each individual using the following formula: (TGI) = ln (fasting TG (mg/dL) x fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2)

Plasma triglyceride levels were significantly higher in patients with gallstones compared to the control group (P=0.001). Plasma HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol did not differ between the groups (P>0.05). Fasting blood glucose was significantly higher in patients with gallstones compared to the control group (P=0.001). The triglyceride glucose index was significantly higher in patients with gallstones compared to the control group (P<0.001). When the relationship between body mass index and TGI was analyzed, TGI was lower in patients with normal BMI compared to overweight or obese patients (P<0.001).

Increased triglyceride/glucose index in patients with gallstones is an indicator of insulin resistance. It is instrumental in demonstrating the presence of insulin resistance in patients with gallstones and may be a useful guide in earlier detection, prevention, and treatment of insulin resistance.