Elevated TyG Index Linked to Higher CKD Risk: Study

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2025-12-02 15:00 GMT | Update On 2025-12-03 09:13 GMT

A new study published in Renal Failure by Zhang Y. and colleagues reports that a higher triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is independently associated with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authors followed a large cohort of adults with normal baseline renal function, calculated the TyG index from fasting triglyceride and glucose levels, and observed that individuals in the highest TyG quartiles had a significantly greater likelihood of progressing to CKD compared to those in lower quartiles. Importantly, this relationship persisted after adjustment for conventional risk factors such as age, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, suggesting that the TyG index may offer incremental predictive value for early kidney risk.

What this really means is that the TyG index may serve as a practical, accessible biomarker for identifying individuals at higher risk of CKD before more overt signs of kidney damage appear. The investigators found that even over relatively short follow-up periods, elevated TyG values predicted earlier onset of reduced kidney function, supporting its potential use in early risk stratification.

Their discussion emphasizes that insulin resistance—of which the TyG index is a surrogate—may drive kidney damage via endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation and glomerular hyperfiltration, thereby providing a plausible mechanistic link between elevated TyG and declining renal health. The authors propose that in clinical practice, routine measurement of the TyG index could help prompt closer renal monitoring, lifestyle or pharmacologic interventions aimed at reducing metabolic stress.

Of course, the study has limitations: it is observational in design, and although multivariable adjustments were made, residual confounding cannot be excluded. Additionally, the cohort was drawn from a specific population and the threshold values of TyG for risk stratification are not yet standardized. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the potential of the TyG index as a simple, cost-effective tool for early kidney disease prevention—especially in patients with elevated triglycerides or impaired glucose metabolism. It opens the door to future research on whether interventions to lower the TyG index can translate into slower kidney disease progression or reduced incidence of CKD.

Reference: Zhang Y., et al. Elevated TyG Index and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults. Renal Failure. 2025; 47(1): 2572356.

Article Source : Renal Failure

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Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

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Elevated TyG Index Linked to Higher CKD Risk: Study

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