Association of the Triglyceride–Glucose Index During the First Trimester of Pregnancy with Adverse Perinatal Outcomes

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Insulin resistance during pregnancy is a key factor underlying gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and other adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). While traditional markers, such as HOMA-IR, are used to evaluate insulin resistance, they may be inaccessible in r...

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Main Authors: Guillermo Gurza, Nayeli Martínez-Cruz, Ileana Lizano-Jubert, Lidia Arce-Sánchez, Blanca Vianey Suárez-Rico, Guadalupe Estrada-Gutierrez, Araceli Montoya-Estrada, José Romo-Yañez, Juan Mario Solis-Paredes, Johnatan Torres-Torres, Isabel González-Ludlow, Ameyalli Mariana Rodríguez-Cano, Maricruz Tolentino-Dolores, Otilia Perichart-Perera, Enrique Reyes-Muñoz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Diagnostics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/9/1129
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Summary:<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Insulin resistance during pregnancy is a key factor underlying gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and other adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). While traditional markers, such as HOMA-IR, are used to evaluate insulin resistance, they may be inaccessible in resource-limited settings. The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index has emerged as a practical alternative. This study aimed to assess whether or not a TyG index > 8.6 during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of APOs, including GDM, preeclampsia, and other maternal and neonatal complications. <b>Methods</b>: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 333 pregnant women in Mexico City, divided into two groups: Group 1 (TyG index > 8.6, <i>n</i> = 153) and Group 2 (TyG index ≤ 8.6, <i>n</i> = 180). Primary outcomes included gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preeclampsia, preterm birth, cesarean section, and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for maternal age, pregestational weight, and body mass index (BMI). <b>Results</b>: Women with a TyG index > 8.6 had a significantly higher pregestational weight and BMI than those with a TyG index ≤ 8.6. Group 1 demonstrated a higher risk of GDM (RR 2.05; 95% CI: 1.23–3.41) and preeclampsia (RR 2.15; 95% CI: 1.10–4.21). After adjusting for maternal age, pregestational weight, and BMI, these associations remained significant: GDM (aRR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.0–2.5) and preeclampsia (aRR 2.18; 95% CI: 1.1–5.0). No significant associations were found between an elevated TyG index and other APOs, including LGA, SGA, preterm birth, or cesarean delivery. <b>Conclusions</b>: A first-trimester TyG index > 8.6 is significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM and preeclampsia, highlighting its potential as a predictive marker for adverse perinatal outcomes. These findings underscore the utility of the TyG index as a practical, cost-effective tool for early risk stratification, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further multi-center research is needed to validate these results and refine population-specific thresholds.
ISSN:2075-4418