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Aging exaggerates glucose intolerance following injury
J M Watters1, S B Moulton, S M Clancey
1Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Canada.
The Journal of Trauma
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Older trauma patients exhibit worsened glucose intolerance and reduced insulin response compared to younger patients. This highlights the significant impact of aging on post-injury metabolism, affecting metabolic and nutritional care.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic responses to injury
- Aging and metabolism
Background:
- Hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance are common in trauma and aging.
- Understanding their interaction is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of aging and trauma on glucose metabolism.
- To compare glucose disposal and insulin response in young versus older trauma patients and healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 2-hour hyperglycemic glucose clamp studies.
- Measured whole-body glucose disposal and insulin/C-peptide responses.
- Compared young (20±4 yrs) and older (73±9 yrs) trauma patients and volunteers (23±1 and 68±5 yrs).
Main Results:
- Patients had higher plasma glucose than volunteers, especially during hyperglycemia.
- Younger patients showed higher insulin and C-peptide levels during hyperglycemia than older patients and volunteers.
- Whole-body glucose disposal was lower in patients than volunteers and in older individuals compared to younger ones.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly worsens post-injury glucose intolerance and diminishes insulin response.
- Metabolic and nutritional care strategies for older trauma patients need to consider these age-related changes.