Effect of glucose Mediated insulin release and its effects on the Lipid Parameters and Glycemic levels in the Aged

Introduction: Ageing is a physiological phenomenon that is multifactorial in origin. The interplay between the environment, genes and lifestyle render them more susceptible to the setting in of the changes more early than expected affecting all the systems in the body. The metabolic processes involved get further exaggerated by the free radicals released in the body Aim: The aim was to assess effect of glucose load in the aged and to analyze the effects of insulin released on lipids and glucose. Materials and methods: Apparently healthy 88 individuals aged from 40 to 80 years of age were recruited in the study from the outpatient clinics of various department of Government general hospital, Chennai and from a private clinic in uttiramerur, TN. They were divided into four groups based on their age, Group I - 40 - 50 years, Group II 51 - 60 years, Group III 61 - 70 years and Group IV 71 - 80 years. They were given a glucose load and following that their insulin, serum glucose concentrations and the effect of insulin on the lipids were studied. Statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS systems. P values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Hyperinsulinemia was noted during the fifth decade of life. Decrease in lipid levels were observed in group II and III. Glucose homeostasis disturbance was observed in group II and III, but more pronounced in group IV. Impaired secretion is more pronounced in the elderly in relation to insulin resistance. Conclusion: Insulin resistance sets in as early as 50 years who were apparently healthy without any risk factors. Impaired action of insulin seems to be more marked on the glucose homeostasis than the lipids during normal ageing.