Evaluation of the relationship between metabolic syndrome, triglyceride-glucose index and healthy eating at home

Objective: Metabolic syndrome is an important clinical condition characterized by the coexistence of interrelated metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension, and it poses a high risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance is one of the main pathophysiological mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome, and its early detection is critical for disease prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome, the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, and healthy eating behaviors at home among individuals attending the Department of Family Medicine at Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study was conducted after obtaining approval from the Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Clinical Research Ethics Committee. A total of 403 individuals who attended family medicine units between 01.09.2025 and 01.12.2025 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, and laboratory findings of the participants were obtained from the hospital information system. The TyG index was calculated using fasting triglyceride and fasting glucose levels. Healthy eating behaviors at home were assessed using a structured "Home Healthy Eating Scale." Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant associations were found between the TyG index and components of metabolic syndrome. The TyG index showed significant positive correlations with age, body mass index, fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure values. Individuals with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher TyG index values. As home healthy eating scores increased, TyG index values decreased, indicating a protective effect of healthy dietary behaviors on metabolic risk. In multiple linear regression analysis, the home healthy eating score was identified as an independent predictor of the TyG index. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the TyG index is a practical, low-cost, and easily applicable biomarker for assessing metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic risk. Healthy eating behaviors at home were shown to have a favorable effect on the TyG index and metabolic risk. Incorporating the TyG index into routine assessments in primary care settings and promoting healthy eating habits may contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of metabolic syndrome and related chronic diseases.