# Evaluation of the relationship between insulin resistance and nicotine dependence: A cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study finds a link between nicotine dependence and insulin resistance in cigarette smokers, suggesting a potential relationship that needs further research.

## Contribution

The study establishes a novel association between nicotine dependence and insulin resistance using the TyG index and FTND score in a specific smoking population.

## Key findings

- The TyG index was positively correlated with FTND scores, age, and pack-years in smokers.
- Males had significantly higher TyG index values compared to females.
- Older age, male sex, and higher nicotine dependence scores independently predicted higher TyG index values.

## Abstract

The mechanisms underlying the association between insulin resistance and nicotine dependence remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to examine the association between insulin resistance, assessed by the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, and nicotine dependence, measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND), among adult exclusive combustible cigarette smokers.

This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2025 in a tertiary care setting and included 169 adult exclusive combustible cigarette smokers aged 18–80 years. Individuals with diabetes mellitus or those receiving lipid-lowering therapy were excluded. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND), and insulin resistance was estimated using the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index. Correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression were performed to examine factors associated with the TyG index.

The mean age of the participants was 40.23 ± 12.95 years, and 55.6% were male. The mean TyG index was 8.51 ± 0.56, and the mean FTND score was 4.86 ± 2.32. The TyG index showed positive correlations with FTND score (r=0.280; p<0.001), age (r=0.261; p=0.001), and pack-years (r=0.218; p=0.004), and was significantly higher in males than in females (p<0.001). In multivariable linear regression analysis, older age, male sex, and higher FTND scores were independently associated with higher TyG index values.

The findings suggest a potential association between nicotine dependence and insulin resistance among adult exclusive combustible cigarette smokers. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the direction and clinical significance of this association.