Background: Dyslipidemia is a common drawback in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients; it is also related to disease activity. Fasting triglycerides and glucose (TyG index) was originally employed as a substitute for measuring insulin resistance (IR), we hypothesized that the TyG index may be an indicator of disease activity.

Method: In this study, 87 SLE patients participated. Their demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were assessed. Patients were split into two groups based on the Low Lupus Disease Activity State (LLDAS). Factors correlated with activity were entered in regression analysis with the TyG index.

Results: A statistically significant relation was detected between the TyG index and disease activity. There was a significant positive correlation between SLE-DAS & all of the TyG index (r=0.267, p=0.012), ESR (r=0.338, p=0.001), Fasting blood glucose (r=0.268, p=0.012), TGs (r=0.232, p=0.031) and LDL cholesterol (r=0.213, p=0.048). TyG index (unstandardized β=20.425, p=0.028) was significantly and independently associated with disease activity. However, the TyG index revealed a sensitivity of 71.8% but a specificity of 47.2% for identifying high disease activity among SLE patients.

Conclusion: A statistically significant positive correlation is detected between SLEDAS and TyG index. Although the TyG index is sensitive but not specific for the detection of high disease activity in SLE patients, it is still not valid and needs further research.