Triglyceride-glucose index is a helpful factor for the diagnosis and follow-up of erectile dysfunction

This study investigated if the triglyceride-glucose index (TGI) is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers suggested that TGI is a useful factor in the diagnosis and follow-up of ED. 

ED consists of the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. Some of the risk factors for this disorder are obesity (overweight), diabetes, and increased blood pressure. Patients with diabetes have a natural resistance to the hormone insulin (necessary for getting energy to living body cells). This resistance is a major risk factor for impotence. However, an insulin test is expensive and difficult to perform in undeveloped countries.

Prior studies suggested that high levels of triglyceride (fats in the blood) are associated with cardiovascular disorders, such as heart disease. It is well known that heart disease is associated with impotence.

TGI testing is simple, cheap, and more accessible than insulin testing. Being more accessible makes it a better factor for the diagnosis of impotence. However, the association between TGI and ED is still not clear.

This study included information about 142 male patients. Of these, 91 (64.1%) patients had ED of different severities. TIG testing was performed in all patients.

Insulin level and TIG were significantly higher in patients with ED when compared with patients without ED. A TGI level of 8.88 was associated with a 3.8 times increase in the risk of having ED. Other factors such as age, weight, and insulin resistance have also increased this risk. 

This study concluded that TGI might be a useful factor in the diagnosis and follow-up of ED. 

This study was based on one-time glucose and insulin testing, which cannot determine the long-term levels of these factors. This can affect the results, and therefore more studies with long-term risk factors levels are necessary.