Aging effects on glycemic control and inflammation for politicians in Taiwan

Insulin sensitivity is deteriorating with age leading to many metabolic complications, yet fasting glucose is the common metabolic predictor in preventive medicine. In this study we compared the differences in fasting glucose, glucose tolerance, and inflammatory markers between two generations in politically active families. Their physical activity levels and dietary intake amounts were also evaluated. Eight elected councilors and their first order descendents participated in this study. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined. Fasting glucose concentration in politicians was smaller than 100 mg/dL (considered clinically normal), and only approximately 14% concentration difference was observed between two generations. However, all politicians were substantially insulin resistant, compared with their young descendents, evidenced by exaggerated glucose and insulin responses (>100% greater area under curves above baseline) under oral glucose challenged condition. Their waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and cholesterol levels were significantly greater than controls. Furthermore, CRP of the politicians was approximately 2.3 folds of the control value suggesting a low grade inflammation. The levels of physical activity and dietary intake were not different between groups. However, the weekly walking energy expenditure for the politician group was approximately 3 times greater than that of the control.

To reflect the age-dependent metabolic deterioration for the purpose of prevention, OGTT and CRP are far more sensitive measures than fasting glucose value. Greater walking activity in politicians was not sufficient to counterbalance the age-dependent changes.