Age-related insulin resistance: a review

Impaired glucose tolerance occurs with age. This impairment is multifactorial including a decrease in insulin-mediated glucose uptake by peripheral tissues and a delay in insulin-induced suppression of hepatic glucose output. A post-binding defect in insulin action such as a reduced capacity to transcribe more glucose transporter mRNA and/or a reduced translocation of preformed glucose transporters to plasma membrane is incriminated. However, insulin resistance with age is not a constant finding and other mechanism(s) has (have) to be involved in old individuals with impaired glucose tolerance and normal tissue insulin sensitivity.