Does Diabetes Speed Up Ageing?

Diabetes has long been recognised as a dominant cause of accelerated ageing. While the understanding of this metabolic syndrome through the years has evolved, it can be said that a wide range of factors along with insulin resistance leads to premature ageing.

A joint study that was carried out by the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands and Unilever R&D has revealed the association between diabetes and ageing.

Findings Of The Study

Based on the findings of this study, researchers have pointed out that individuals with high blood glucose levels look much older than their actual age: 1 year to be precise. 

The study found that those with high blood glucose levels (either because of diabetes or poor diet) looked older than those with normal blood glucose levels. The findings successfully revealed that for every 1mmol/L (millimoles per litre) increase in blood glucose levels, participants looked approximately 5 months older than their actual age.

According to lead researcher, David Gunn, individuals with high blood sugar begin to look older. Diabetics, too, looked older, and they are the ones with abnormally high blood glucose levels. He further concludes that this finding serves as additional evidence that there is yet another reason to lead a healthy lifestyle as diabetes is going to affect both your appearance and health.

Exact Mechanism

Scientists are of the opinion that this ageing effect may be attributed to the build-up of sugar that eventually sticks to collagen, which helps in keeping skin supple and radiant. Others are of the opinion that high blood glucose hampers the production of insulin, which may play a role when it comes to ageing.

The best way to look young and have glowing skin is by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which comprises consuming a healthy diet, eliminating stress, engaging in physical activity and exercise, and getting sufficient sleep.

The Speed Of Aging

During earlier times, diabetes was viewed as a premature ageing process. For instance, when you compare some 35-year-old individual who has developed diabetes with another 35-year-old without the onset of diabetes, it may appear that the former may appear to be 45 years old when it comes to his or her actual physical age. 

Diabetes And The Brain

Another study concluded that those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in middle age demonstrated a greater mental decline in comparison with those without any metabolic problems. 

Developing diabetes in middle age tends to set the mind on a path towards significant cognitive decline, shaving off the equivalent of 5 years of normal brain health. 

These key findings, which are published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, are surely in line with prior research that demonstrated a link between type 2 diabetes and dementia. These results reiterate the need to execute changes to your lifestyle.

The conclusion to be drawn is that to have a healthy brain at the age of 70, you need to exercise and eat right when you are 50 years old. This is according to the lead author of the study, Elizabeth Selvin, who is also an associate professor of epidemiology at the renowned Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

She goes on to say that there is a significant cognitive decline in individuals with prediabetes, diabetes, and poor glucose control. She goes on to say that we know how to prevent the onset of diabetes as well as delay the prevalence of this chronic disease that is associated with cognitive decline.

The Final Word:

According to studies, diabetes can lead to both premature ageing and cognitive decline. However, with excellent management of diabetes and its risk factors, premature ageing need not be a cause for concern.

References Links:

1. https://www.hindustantimes.com/health-and-fitness/diabetes-can-make-your-face-look-older/story-I3j4w54sswICBdabdiqwrL.html
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18672179/
3. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/diabetes-ages-the-brain-5-years-faster-120114
4. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/DiabetesLivingWith/story?id=3845207