[The problem of evaluating so-called aging parameters exemplified by insulin secretion]

The mean aspects of insulin secretion were studied in healthy humans of 27-59 years of age by means of glucagon application and determination of C-peptide blood concentration. The results lead to the assumption that the basic insulin secretion correlates proportionally to body weight or body mass index (BMI) at the expense of the pancreas resources of this hormone. Further, aging seems to decrease the sensitivity of the beta cells' reaction to stimuli. Finally, the fact that excess weight and/or the preponderance of fat mass are usually age-dependent manifestations, may lead to the conclusion that the rise of the basic insulin secretion with decrease of the pancreas resource and a progressive loss of reaction capacity of beta cells are physiological consequences of aging.