Background This study assessed the association of the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype with prediabetes and diabetes (DM) in a group of Hispanics. Methods Analysis of a cross-sectional study of 858 adults residing in Puerto Rico that collected data on blood pressure, biochemical, and anthropometric measurements was performed. HTGW phenotype was defined as elevated triglycerides and elevated waist circumference. Prediabetes was defined as a fasting glucose of 100–125 mg/dL and DM as a fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or prior diagnosis. Results Prevalence of HTGW, prediabetes and DM was 27.9%, 38.0% and 21.6%, respectively. Subjects with the HTGW phenotype had higher adjusted odds of prediabetes (POR=5.55; 95% CI=3.38–9.13) and DM (POR=7.28; 95% CI=3.63–14.63) compared to those without the phenotype. The association for prediabetes was stronger for women than among men. Discussion HTGW phenotype was strongly associated with prediabetes and DM, reinforcing the need to further assess its performance as a screening tool to identify at-risk individuals for cardiometabolic conditions.