Insulin resistance by the triglyceride-glucose index in a rural Brazilian population

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) in a rural population in Brazil, to verify its association with sociodemographic, labor, lifestyle, and health factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 790 farmers in the state of Espírito Santo/Brazil. Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) was calculated and a cut-off point of Ln 4.52 was used. A hierarchical logistic regression for the association of insulin resistance with sociodemographic, labor, lifestyle and health variables of farmers living in Espírito Santo was performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of insulin resistance was 33.7% (n = 266), and the association with insulin resistance was found in the age group 31 to 40 years of age (OR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.19-2.87); in smokers or former smokers (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.08-2.48) and overweight (OR = 3.06; 95% CI 2.22-4.23). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of insulin resistance was high in a rural population of Brazil, and was mainly associated with age, smoking and obesity. The use of TyG as an instrument for assessing the health of individuals living in areas where access to health services is difficult, such as rural areas, can represent an important advance in terms of health promotion, protection and recovery. In addition, by identifying the risk factors associated with IR, as well as their consequences, a more adequate scheme for the prevention and treatment of these comorbidities can be defined.