Age-Related Metabolic Disorders: Understanding the Links Between Aging, Obesity, and Diabetes

As we age, our bodies undergo a series of physiological changes that can increase the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. These conditions impact not only our physical health but also our quality of life and longevity.

As we get older, our body’s ability to control our metabolism (the way we process food for energy) can be affected. This happens because our body has trouble sensing nutrients, and regulating the balance between making and breaking down building blocks and energy fuel molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids is disrupted.

Let’s have a closer look at the underlying mechanisms of diabetes and obesity and how they can be prevented. By understanding the impact of these diseases on our bodies, we can take steps to optimize our health and promote longevity.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects how the body processes sugar (glucose). It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin (a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas in response to glucose in the blood and regulates blood sugar levels) or is unable to effectively use the insulin it does produce.

Diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a variety of complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage.

• Age. Being 45 years or older increase the risk of developing diabetes.
• Genetic factors. Certain genetic variations (such as HLA-DR3, HLA-DR4, TCF7L2, and KCNJ11) can increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes.
• Family history. Having a close family member with diabetes increases the risk.
• Race and ethnicity: Diabetes is more common in Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian people, and Pacific Islanders.
• Medical conditions. High blood pressure, poor lipid blood profile, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fatty liver syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, insulin resistance and prediabetes
• Certain medications. Steroids, some beta-blockers, antipsychotics, thiazide diuretics, some decongestants for common flu, HIV medications, and high doses of statins
• Lifestyle factors. Certain lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, a diet high in sugars (predominantly sucrose), smoking, and being overweight

The initial stage of diabetes, which is insulin resistance, has no specific symptoms. Some signs can indicate that you are prone to develop insulin resistance, such as a waistline over 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women, elevated blood pressure, changed lipid blood profile, and patches of dark, velvety skin in the armpits and groin.

Full-developed diabetes also is characterized by frequent urination (especially at night), thirst, weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, numb or tingling hands or feet, very dry skin, and wounds that don’t heal.

The best way to find out if you have prediabetes or diabetes is through blood testing.

The most common tests include:

• A1C test. Measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood that has glucose attached to it.
• Fasting blood glucose test. After not eating or drinking for at least 8 hours.
• Glucose tolerance testing. It measures blood glucose levels prior and after 2 hours of drinking a sugary drink.

Currently, there are several treatment options for diabetes:

• Medications. Help control blood sugar levels (injectable insulin), make the body more sensitive to insulin, and lower the amount of sugar produced by the liver (metformin).
• Insulin pump. Devices that deliver a continuous supply of insulin to the body through a small tube that is inserted under the skin.
• Continuous glucose monitoring. A device that is placed under the skin to continuously measure blood sugar levels.
• Pancreas transplantation. For type 1 diabetes.
• Bariatric surgery. For type 2 diabetes, for people with BMI higher than 35.

• Physical activity. Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
• Healthy diet. A balanced diet that is low in processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if overweight or obese can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Smoking cessation. Quitting smoking can improve overall health and reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
• Moderate alcohol consumption. Moderate alcohol intake (1-2 drinks per day for men, 1 drink per day for women) has been associated with a lower risk of diabetes, but excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk.
• Sleep hygiene. Getting adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night) and maintaining good sleep hygiene can help reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Stress management. Reducing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Regular health check-ups. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify and manage risk factors for diabetes, as well as detect and treat the disease in its early stages.

• Age. Risk increases after the age of 40. As we age, the metabolism slows down, and muscle mass declines, which can make it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
• Gender. It is more common in women.
• Race and ethnicity: It is more common in Black and Latino Americans.
• Genetic factors. However, they do not play a dominant role.
• Medical conditions. The underactive thyroid gland, Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Certain medications. Some corticosteroids, medications for epilepsy, diabetes, and schizophrenia, some antidepressants, and birth control pills.
• Psychological health. Emotional eating, stress, and depression can contribute to overeating and weight gain.
• Lifestyle factors. Poor eating habits learned from childhood, an unhealthy diet high in fat and sugars, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep.
• Environment. Amount of green space around your home, available shops and restaurants nearby, surrounding friends and relatives.

Age is the main risk factor for developing chronic metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. They can lead to a range of health complications and reduce your quality of life. Moreover, these disorders are interlinked and often can contribute to the development of each other. By making small lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management, you can reduce your risk of these diseases and live a longer, healthier life.