50. Can Your Triglycerides Reveal Insulin Resistance? The Overlooked Blood-Sugar Clue

**Top 5% Globally Ranked* Can Your Triglycerides Reveal Insulin Resistance? The Overlooked Blood-Sugar Clue What if your triglycerides are revealing something about insulin resistance that your fasting glucose alone does not show? In Episode 50 of the Health Beyond Weight Loss Podcast, TaShawn Davis, RN, explains the relationship between triglycerides, fasting glucose, blood sugar, and metabolic health. She introduces the triglyceride-glucose index, also called the TyG index, and explains how this calculation may provide an additional clue about insulin resistance. The TyG index is not a diagnosis. It is one tool that may help healthcare professionals evaluate patterns related to metabolic health. In This Episode • What triglycerides are • How triglycerides may relate to insulin resistance • Why fasting glucose does not always tell the complete story • What the triglyceride-glucose index, or TyG index, is • How the TyG index is calculated • Why the TyG index should not be used as a self-diagnosis • The relationship between blood sugar, insulin, and triglycerides • Why “normal” glucose does not always mean optimal metabolic health • How fatty liver, high triglycerides, low HDL, and elevated blood sugar may occur together • How low-carbohydrate and ketogenic eating may support improved metabolic health • Which questions to ask about your laboratory results • Why your lab results should be viewed as a pattern rather than isolated numbers What Is the TyG Index? The triglyceride-glucose index combines fasting triglycerides and fasting glucose into one calculation. The commonly used formula is: TyG index = natural log of fasting triglycerides × fasting glucose ÷ 2 The TyG index has been studied as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. However, research has found that cutoff points vary among studies and populations. This means the TyG index may offer a helpful clue, but it should not be used alone to diagnose insulin resistance. Questions to Ask About Your Labs When reviewing your laboratory results, consider asking your healthcare professional: • What is my fasting glucose? • What are my triglycerides? • What is my HDL? • What is my A1C? • Do these results suggest a pattern of metabolic risk? • Should I be evaluated for insulin resistance? • Could medication, genetics, thyroid function, liver health, or another condition be affecting my results? • When should I repeat my laboratory testing? Research Referenced Sánchez-García A, et al. “Diagnostic Accuracy of the Triglyceride and Glucose Index for Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32256... (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32256...) The review included 15 studies involving nearly 70,000 participants. Researchers found that the TyG index may have value as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, but the evidence quality varied, and standardized cutoff points are still needed. Learn More Health Beyond Weight Loss: https://www.healthbeyondweightloss.com Join the Health Beyond Weight Loss community:   / healthbeyondweightloss   Books by TaShawn Davis, RN Sugar Deception: Full Body System Review https://a.co/d/0eVtBjg7 Uproot The Cravings: 21-Day Sugar Detox Devotional & Journal https://a.co/d/0j2BDw2j Connect With TaShawn Facebook:   / tashawndavisrnhealthcoach   Instagram:   / tashawndavisrnhealthcoach   Email: tashawndavisrn@gmail.com (mailto:tashawndavisrn@gmail.com) About Health Beyond Weight Loss Health Beyond Weight Loss helps people understand insulin resistance, blood sugar, cravings, ketogenic nutrition, fatty liver, and metabolic health through education, coaching, faith, and hope. TaShawn Davis, RN, is a Registered Nurse, Holistic Health Coach, Metabolic Health Educator, author, speaker, and host of the Health Beyond Weight Loss Podcast. Get healthy first, and the weight will follow. Medical Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The TyG index is not a diagnosis of insulin resistance. Do not stop, start, or change medications based on this episode. Speak with your qualified healthcare professional about your laboratory results, medications, symptoms, and individual health needs.