The relationship of vitamin B12 levels with triglyceride glucose index in patients referred to primary care

Aim: Insulin resistance is a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is known that in sufficient levels of vitamin B12, which plays a key role in the functioning of many systems, is associated with insulin resistance. Early recognitionand ideal treatment of insulin resistance and B12 deficiency at the primary care level are important for reducing morbidity and mortality rates. In recent years, the Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) index has been accepted as an in expensive and practical method for detecting insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and serum vitamin B12 levels and to develop recommendations that will contributeto family medicine clinical practice based on the findings. Material and Method: This cross-sectional, analytical, case-control study was planned to be conducted between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, in the central districts of Şanlıurfa, specifically in the 24th Dervis Hoca, 14th Nihat Demirelli, and 7th Yenisehir Family Health Centers. 12.2024, with the participation of individuals aged 18-65 who were registered and receiving health care services at the 24th Dervis Hoca, 14th Nihat Demirelli, and 7th Yenisehir Family Health Center saffiliated with the central districts of Şanlıurfa. Individuals with vitamin B12 levels below 189 pg/ml, with out diabetes or other comorbidities, were defined as the case group; individuals with similar age and gender characteristics, normal B12 levels, and without diabetes or other comorbidities were defined as the control group. The TyG index (TyG = ln(Fasting TG (mg/dl) × Fasting Glucose (mg/dl) / 2)) was used to detect insulin resistance. Vitamin B12 value s obtained from routine blood tests, calculated Body Mass Index (BMI), and TyG indices were subjected to statistical analysis, and the results were compared between the case and control groups. Results: The findings of this study indicate that vitamin B12 deficiency is a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance. Considering that insulin resistance is present in individuals with B12 deficiency in the first stage, the TyG index, which is a practical and inexpensive method for early diagnosis, can be used in insulin resistance screening. Conclusion: These findings confirm the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and insulin resistance and the hypothesis that TyG index can be used to screenfor insulin resistance in individuals with B12 deficiency.