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Attenuated glucose recovery from hypoglycemia in the elderly
J C Marker1, P E Cryer, W E Clutter
1Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Diabetes
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Elderly individuals experience impaired glucose counterregulation, leading to slower recovery from hypoglycemia. Physical training partially improved these responses, suggesting lifestyle impacts glucose metabolism in aging.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Advanced age is a known risk factor for hypoglycemia, particularly when using sulfonylureas or insulin for diabetes mellitus management.
- Age-related decline in glucose counterregulation is a potential contributor to this increased risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-associated impairments in glucose counterregulation.
- To determine if a sedentary lifestyle contributes to these impairments.
- To assess the impact of physical training on glucose counterregulation in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Nondiabetic elderly and young subjects underwent insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
- Glycemic and neuroendocrine responses were measured before and after a year of physical training in a subset of elderly participants.
- Key hormones and glucose recovery rates were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Recovery from hypoglycemia was significantly attenuated in elderly subjects compared to young subjects.
- This attenuation was linked to reduced glucose production and altered insulin and glucagon responses.
- Physical training improved some counterregulatory responses, including VO2 max.
Conclusions:
- Aging impairs glucose counterregulation, increasing hypoglycemia risk.
- A sedentary lifestyle may exacerbate these age-related metabolic changes.
- Physical training offers potential benefits for improving glucose homeostasis in older adults.