The triglyceride glucose index as a sensitive predictor for the risk of MACCEs in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: An ambispective longitudinal cohort study

Abstract The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has been confirmed a predictive value for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, no research has yet confirmed whether there is a linear correlation between the TyG index and MACCEs in DFUs. The present study aimed to delve into the association between the TyG index and the risk of MACCEs in patients with DFUs. A total of 960 inpatients with DFUs were recruited. All participants were followed up every 6 months for 11 years with a median of 83 months. According to the cut‐off value of the TyG index acquired from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the subjects were divided into two groups: low‐level (<9.12, n = 480) and high‐level (≥9.12, n = 480). The relationship between the TyG index and MACCEs was evaluated by the multivariable Cox regression model, restricted cubic spline (RCS) model, stratified analysis and the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Out of 960 participants, 271 experienced MACCEs (28.22%), of whom 79 (29.15%) died. ROC analysis got the optimal TyG index cut‐off value of 9.12. Multivariable Cox regression analysis combined with the RCS model showed that the TyG index was positively associated with MACCEs in an S‐shaped non‐linear dose‐dependent manner within the range of TyG index 7.5–9.5 ( p < 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated the higher the TyG index, the greater the cumulative incidence of MACCEs (log‐rank, p < 0.001). The study first confirmed an S‐shaped non‐linear dose‐dependent positive relationship between the TyG index and the risk of MACCEs in DFUs. Consequently, lowering the TyG index level aids in improving the prognosis of patients with DFUs.