International Journal of Diabetes & its Complications
ISSN: 2573-8895 | DOI: 10.64030/2573-8895
Jose Antonio Alonso Viamonte and Maria Caridad RodrÃÂÂguez Perez
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is increasingly recognized as a major health challenge in Cuba and worldwide. Its strong links with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality are well established. The condition often progresses silently, with few early warning signs, while multiple metabolic disturbances interact in complex ways. This hidden course makes early recognition difficult and highlights the need for diagnostic tools that are both sensitive and practical. The triglyceride/glucose index (TyG) has emerged as a simple, reproducible marker of insulin resistance and may identify individuals at risk earlier than ATP III criteria.
Objectives: To compare the diagnostic performance of ATP III criteria and the TyG index (≥8.5) in a Cuban cohort, and to assess whether TyG adds value in early detection and risk stratification of metabolic syndrome.
Methods: We conducted an observational, cross sectional study among adults receiving primary health care in Cuba. Two diagnostic frameworks were applied: ATP III criteria (≥3 components) and TyG ≥8.5. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters were collected. HDL cholesterol was estimated using equations due to laboratory constraints. Analyses were stratified by sex, and statistical procedures included chi square tests, Student’s t tests, and correlation analyses.
Results: ATP III identified 45% of patients, whereas TyG ≥8.5 detected 86.9%. TyG corrected the sex related bias observed with ATP III, producing a more balanced distribution between men and women. Combined criteria improved specificity, while the unified approach achieved the highest sensitivity (87%) with acceptable specificity (69%). Obesity was a major contributor (25.3%), and 32.3% were overweight. Even among those with normal BMI (35.4%), metabolic changes were evident.
Conclusions: The TyG index proved to be a practical, inexpensive diagnostic option. Applied in Cuban primary care, it could strengthen prevention, reduce cardiometabolic risk, and support timely management of metabolic syndrome.