Association between the indicators of insulin resistance and periodontitis: A study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014

Background The prevalence of obesity-associated insulin resistance (IR) is increasing along with greater obesity rates. To identify the best replacement index of IR, this study aimed to investigate the possible association between IR, which was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index and its derived indexes and periodontitis. Methods The association between the indicators of IR and periodontitis was assessed via multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014. In addition, subgroup analyses and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to explore possible influencing factors. Results Our study encompassed 1,588 participants, and 41.0% were diagnosed with periodontitis. Based on themultivariate logistic regression analysis, a higher TyG-waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)(odds ratio [OR] = 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.67, P = 0.0075) and HOMA-IR score (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00–1.00, P = 0.0130) were associated with an increased risk of periodontitis. Conversely, the TyG index, TyG-adjusted for body mass index, and TyG-adjusted for waist circumference (WC) were not associated with periodontitis. According to further subgroup analyses and interaction result analyses, sex affected the association between the TyG index, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR and periodontitis (P < 0.05 for interaction). Moreover, the influence of age regulated the association between periodontitis and both TyG and HOMA-IR score. In terms of diagnostic accuracy, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that HOMA-IR score and TyG-WHtR slightly outperformed the TyG index, TyG-body mass index, and TyG-WC. Thus, they can be robust markers for assessing IR-related periodontitis risk. Conclusion A consistent and positive association was found between HOMA-IR score and TyG-WHtR and the odds of periodontitis prevalence. Hence, HOMA-IR score and TyG-WHtR can be valid predictors for evaluating the association between periodontitis development and IR.