To investigate the associations of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Approach:
Study Population: 230 hospitalized patients with T2DM were recruited and evaluated for CAN using cardiovascular autonomic reflex test (CART) and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements.
Data Collection: Demographic characteristics and clinical data were collected, and the TyG index was calculated based on fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels.
Statistical Analysis: Statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between the TyG index and CAN parameters.
Key Findings:
The prevalence of CAN in the cohort was 61.3% (141 cases).
Patients with CAN had a significantly higher TyG index compared to those without CAN.
The TyG index showed positive correlations with CART parameters (E:I difference, r = 0.301; Valsalva ratio, r = 0.362; 30:15 ratio, r = 0.166; BP change, r = 0.229; all P < 0.05) and inverse correlations with HRV indices (SDNN, r = −0.257; RMSSD, r = −0.226; pNN50, r = −0.226; VLF, r = −0.221; LF, r = −0.253; HF, r = −0.212; TP, r = −0.249; all P < 0.01).
The TyG index remained a significant independent predictor of CAN after adjusting for confounders.
ROC curve analysis indicated the TyG index has an AUC of 0.854 for predicting CAN.
Interpretation:
The TyG index is associated with CAN assessment parameters and serves as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance in diabetes-related complications.
Limitations:
The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The cross-sectional design does not allow for causal inferences.
Conclusion:
The findings indicate the association of the TyG index with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
