Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index
MetabolicAlso known as: TyG, insulin resistance index
The TyG index combines fasting triglycerides and glucose to estimate insulin resistance.
Reference range
| Level | Range |
|---|---|
| High | above 9 |
| Intermediate | 8.8 to 9 |
| Normal | below 8.8 |
Source: Ahead Health benchmark
* Reference ranges may vary between labs and assays. Always interpret results with your healthcare provider.
Why this matters
TyG index complements HOMA-IR by capturing insulin resistance through lipid-glucose interactions, sometimes detecting metabolic dysfunction that HOMA-IR might miss. It's particularly sensitive to hepatic insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia. When used together with HOMA-IR, these indices provide a comprehensive view of metabolic health; HOMA-IR reflects pancreatic insulin output and peripheral sensitivity, while TyG reveals lipid-related metabolic stress. This dual approach improves detection of early insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, and fatty liver disease, enabling more personalized intervention strategies.
How this connects to other biomarkers
- TyG Index (a calculation using Triglycerides and Fasting Glucose) is a surrogate for insulin resistance that does not require an insulin measurement.
- Values > 8.5 generally indicate insulin resistance and correlate well with HOMA-Index and metabolic syndrome diagnosis.
- Useful in routine practice and large-population screening since it relies only on standard lipid and glucose tests.
How often should I test Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index?
Most adults benefit from checking the TyG index yearly as part of a cardiometabolic panel. After a sustained change in diet, activity, or body composition, retest at 8 to 12 weeks.
At baseline / for screening: Once every 12 months from age 30 as part of a cardiometabolic check. More frequently, every 3 to 6 months, if you have pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or a family history of any of these.
When monitoring an intervention or change: Retest 8 to 12 weeks after a sustained lifestyle change, such as reducing refined carbs and added sugars, increasing physical activity, meaningful weight loss, or improving sleep quality. The same window applies after starting or adjusting glucose-lowering medication (metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonist, SGLT2 inhibitor). If a result was above target, reconfirm sooner once you've begun addressing the most likely driver.
Included in
Ready to check your health?
Get a comprehensive view of your biomarkers with our advanced check-up packages.