Investigating the Effect of Aging on Glucose Metabolism
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Lizbeth de la Cruz (Mentor), Idaho State University
Additional Funding Sources
IDeA supports this project from the NIGMS-NIH (Grant #P20GM103408).
Abstract
When insulin secretion becomes impaired and cells stop responding, metabolic disorders can occur, like type II diabetes. In 2021, 9.8% of the adult Idaho population was diagnosed with type II diabetes. Nationwide, 38% of adults have prediabetes and may be unaware of it. Aging is associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders, although how aging impairs glucose metabolism is poorly understood. This work aimed to establish how glucose, insulin, and their relationship (HOMA2-IR) fluctuate with age. Blood samples were taken from 3000 healthy patients from 17-80 years old (Mexican population) to detect fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels. HOMA2-IR levels were calculated using a HOMA calculator. Linear regression of glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA2 showed a significant increase in these variables with age. Insulin levels showed a tendency to increase, but it was not significant. Notably, 27% of the population showed higher insulin levels than expected for the Mexican population with BMI < 24 and normal sensitivity. High insulin levels were observed even in the youngest population (17-25 years old). In conclusion, data shows glucose metabolism is impaired with age, and insulin levels are altered since early life stages.
Investigating the Effect of Aging on Glucose Metabolism
When insulin secretion becomes impaired and cells stop responding, metabolic disorders can occur, like type II diabetes. In 2021, 9.8% of the adult Idaho population was diagnosed with type II diabetes. Nationwide, 38% of adults have prediabetes and may be unaware of it. Aging is associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders, although how aging impairs glucose metabolism is poorly understood. This work aimed to establish how glucose, insulin, and their relationship (HOMA2-IR) fluctuate with age. Blood samples were taken from 3000 healthy patients from 17-80 years old (Mexican population) to detect fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels. HOMA2-IR levels were calculated using a HOMA calculator. Linear regression of glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA2 showed a significant increase in these variables with age. Insulin levels showed a tendency to increase, but it was not significant. Notably, 27% of the population showed higher insulin levels than expected for the Mexican population with BMI < 24 and normal sensitivity. High insulin levels were observed even in the youngest population (17-25 years old). In conclusion, data shows glucose metabolism is impaired with age, and insulin levels are altered since early life stages.