Elevated TyG Index Linked to Suicidal Ideation in a new study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2025-11-09T20:30:33+05:30 | Updated On 9 Nov 2025 8:30 PM IST

Researchers have found in a new study that a higher triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index may be associated with increased suicidal ideation, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions and regular metabolic and mental health screenings in high-risk groups such as obese and hypertensive individuals. The study, published in Discovery Mental Health, analyzed U.S. adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore how metabolic factors might influence mental well-being. The TyG index, a simple measure derived from fasting triglyceride and glucose levels, was identified as a potential indicator linking metabolic dysfunction and suicidal thoughts.

The researchers observed that individuals with elevated TyG values had higher odds of experiencing suicidal ideation, even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, income, and pre-existing medical conditions. This suggests that insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism could play a role in emotional regulation and mood disorders. The authors proposed that chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine imbalances associated with poor metabolic health might underlie the connection between TyG levels and psychological vulnerability. These findings highlight the need for a more integrated approach that considers both metabolic and psychological risk profiles in patient care.

In summary, the study underscores that metabolic health and mental health are closely intertwined. Screening for elevated TyG index values could help clinicians identify individuals at higher risk of suicidal ideation, allowing for earlier intervention through lifestyle modification, mental health counseling, or medical management. The results call for public health strategies that link metabolic monitoring with psychological assessment, emphasizing prevention rather than crisis response. As the authors note, understanding the biological pathways that connect metabolism and mood may open new doors for suicide prevention efforts in clinical and community settings.

Keywords: Li, Guo, Xiao, Discovery Mental Health, triglyceride-glucose index, TyG index, suicidal ideation, insulin resistance, metabolic health, NHANES, depression

Reference

Li, J., Guo, Y., Xiao, X., et al. (2025). Association between the triglyceride-glucose index and suicidal ideation among U.S. adults: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data. Discovery Mental Health, 5, 155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00281-8

Discovery Mental Healthtriglyceride-glucose indexTyG indexsuicidal ideationinsulin resistancemetabolic healthNHANESdepression

Source : Discover Mental Health

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.