Investigating the association between triglyceride-glucose index and risk of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a critical public health issue, with its global prevalence steadily rising. Insulin resistance has been recognized as a significant contributor to the progression of CKD. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, an established surrogate marker of insulin resistance, has been suggested as a potential predictor for CKD risk. However, the relationship between the TyG index and CKD remains inconsistent across various studies. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the TyG index and risk of developing CKD across diverse populations. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus databases through December 2024. Eligible studies examining the association between the TyG index and CKD risk were included. The pooled effect size (ES) was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on study design, population characteristics, and methodological quality. Results: A total of 33 observational studies, encompassing 322,394 participants, were included. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between a higher TyG index and an increased risk of CKD (pooled ES: 1.67; 95 CI: 1.51-1.86, P < 0.001) when analyzed as a categorical variable. A similar significant association was observed when the TyG index was assessed as a continuous variable (pooled ES: 1.44; 95 CI: 1.28-1.62, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that this association was consistent across various study designs, geographic regions, and population characteristics. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the TyG index is a reliable predictor of CKD risk and may serve as a valuable tool for the early identification of individuals at high risk. Future research should focus on exploring the underlying mechanisms and evaluating the clinical utility of the TyG index in CKD screening and prevention strategies. (c) 2025 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.