Introduction
Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder that affects how your body uses insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells use glucose from food for energy. When you have insulin resistance, your body is less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels and other health problems. This article will discuss how insulin resistance affects longevity, how to test for it, and how to treat it.
Insulin Resistance and Longevity
Insulin resistance has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer. All of these conditions can significantly impact life expectancy and quality of life. Studies have shown that insulin resistance may also accelerate aging, increasing the risk of age-related diseases and shortening lifespan (1,2).
Insulin resistance can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to cells and tissues. It can also affect the function of mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells, and lead to cellular dysfunction and death (3). These effects can contribute to the development of chronic diseases and the aging process.
Testing for Insulin Resistance
Several tests can diagnose insulin resistance, including the fasting plasma glucose test, the oral glucose tolerance test, and the insulin resistance index. The most commonly used test is the fasting plasma glucose test, which measures your blood sugar level after fasting for at least eight hours. A fasting blood sugar level of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher may indicate insulin resistance (4).
The oral glucose tolerance test measures blood sugar levels after you consume a sugary drink. If your blood sugar level is higher than normal two hours after the test, it may indicate insulin resistance (5). The insulin resistance index, also known as the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), measures insulin and glucose levels in the blood to assess insulin resistance (6).
Treating Insulin Resistance
Several lifestyle changes can help improve insulin resistance, including:
Losing weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can improve insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (7).
Eating a healthy diet: A diet low in refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugary drinks, and high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, can help improve insulin resistance (8).
Exercising regularly: Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels (9).
Managing stress: Chronic stress can increase inflammation and contribute to insulin resistance. Practicing stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation, can help improve insulin sensitivity (10).
In addition to lifestyle changes, medications may be prescribed to help manage insulin resistance, such as metformin, thiazolidinediones, and GLP-1 receptor agonists (11).
Conclusion
In conclusion, insulin resistance is a common metabolic disorder that can significantly affect longevity and overall health. Several tests can be used to diagnose insulin resistance, and lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help improve insulin resistance. If you suspect you have insulin resistance, speak with your healthcare provider to discuss testing and treatment options.
References:
- Li, Y. et al. Insulin resistance, a link between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes: from epidemiology to molecular links. Endocrinology 158, 1832-1842 (2017). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28323941/
- Petersen, M. C. & Shulman, G. I. Mechanisms of insulin action and insulin resistance. Physiol Rev 98, 2133-2223 (2018). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30136636/
- Aguirre, V. et al. Mitochondria: a new target in the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. J Cell Biochem 115, 857-864 (2014). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24436108/
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes-2021. Diabetes Care 44, S15-S33 (2021). https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1/S15
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes-2021. Diabetes Care 44, S15-S33 (2021). https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1/S15
- Matthews, D. R. et al. Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and beta-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia 28, 412-419 (1985). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3899825/
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes-2021. Diabetes Care 44, S15-S33 (2021). https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1/S15
- Evert, A. B. et al. Nutrition therapy recommendations for the management of adults with diabetes. Diabetes Care 41, 137-143 (2018). https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/41/Supplement_1/S137
- Colberg, S. R. et al. Physical activity/exercise and diabetes: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care 39, 2065-2079 (2016). https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/39/11/2065
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes-2021. Diabetes Care 44, S15-S33 (2021). https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1/S15
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes-2021. Diabetes Care 44, S15-S33 (2021). https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1/S15