Insulin exposure controls the rate of mammalian aging

The gradual age-related decline in physiologic function and the late life exponential rise of a diverse group of age-associated diseases are explained by imbalance in specific hormonal axes and cumulative growth factor exposure, respectively. Nutritionally driven 'normal' insulin exposure is central to both cumulative growth factor exposure and imbalance of the insulin-growth hormone axis. Halving normal young adult insulin levels by increased insulin sensitivity may slow the aging process.