The Benefits Of Non-Pharmaceutic Interventions On Intrinsic Capacity In Insulin-Resistant Adult And Geriatric Populations-A Narrative Review
As we age, maintaining our overall physical and mental abilities, often referred to as intrinsic capacity, becomes increasingly important for a healthy and independent life. A key factor that can impact this capacity is a condition called insulin resistance. This occurs when our body’s tissues don’t respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to higher blood sugar levels and other metabolic issues, often going unnoticed in older adults.
Research indicates that this resistance to insulin plays a significant role in the decline of our intrinsic capacity. It contributes to this decline through several biological mechanisms, including persistent inflammation throughout the body, increased cellular damage from oxidative stress, problems with the energy-producing parts of our cells (mitochondria), and even changes in the beneficial bacteria living in our gut.
However, there’s good news! Non-drug approaches, particularly lifestyle and dietary adjustments, are proving to be essential in addressing these challenges. Specific nutritional strategies, such as adopting a Mediterranean or DASH diet, have shown promise. These diets can improve how our bodies respond to insulin by positively influencing our gut bacteria and reducing systemic inflammation. Given the complexities of medication use in older adults and the lack of specific treatments for age-related declines, these non-drug interventions, focused on diet and lifestyle, are vital for supporting our intrinsic capacity and promoting healthy aging.
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