| Many studies
conducted in the past have revealed that insulin production deteriorated
as people aged and was possibly mediated through the build up of abdominal
fat. A study was conducted to determine the insulin action in older
and younger men aged 31 to 77 years.
The study included 15 elderly participants who were individually
matched to 15 younger participants by body mass index (BMI) measurements.
All of the participants were given glucose tolerance tests. Results
of the study showed waist circumference was a powerful indicating
tool of fat that would increase the likelihood of developing diabetes.
The study provided a great way to measure and keep track of the
risk of diabetes through the use of a tape measure.
Healthy waist size ranges:
- Women with waists over 35 inches were considered likely candidates
to experience health problems.
- Ideal waist measurement for men: anywhere between 31 and 36
inches
- 36 to 40 inches was considered to be overweight
- 40 inches and over was considered obese
Other findings from the study revealed that waist circumference
and triglycerides were the only independent indicators of insulin
sensitivity. It was discovered that age didn’t have an impact
on the results.
Also, it was confirmed that the insulin decline seen in elderly
people was linked to increased abdominal fat, rather than being
contributed to getting older.
Metabolism
July, 2003;52(7)
| 