Relationship between the triglyceride–glucose index, blood uric acid levels, and prevalence of gout in Korean adults: Eighth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021)

Background: The triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index is a useful marker of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Several studies have reported a link between this index and serum uric acid levels. However, few studies have shown a concrete association between the TyG index, uric acid levels, and prevalence of gout. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between this index and uric acid levels, as well as their potential associations with the incidence of gout. Methods: Data derived from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2019 to 2021 were used. The study population included adults >19 years of age andconsisted of 16,340 participants who were subjected to blood tests to measure their fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Additionally, the participants responded to a questionnaire regarding the diagnosis of gout, making them eligible for inclusion in the study. The TyG index was categorized into quartiles. Results: Of the 16,340 total subjects, 321(2.1 %) were diagnosed with gout. After an adjustment for age and metabolic parameters, the TyG index was positively related to serum uric acid levels (β = 0.247, p < 0.001). Compared to the risk in the lowest quartile group, as a reference, the adjusted odd ratio, with a 95 % confidence interval, for the incidence of gout was 2.002 (1.157–3.465) in the highest quartile group. Conclusion: An elevated TyG index is associated with increased blood uric acid levels, and the TyG index is also associated with the prevalence of gout.