Glucose – The Silent Killer

Diabetes Is a Form of Accelerated Aging

For decades, scientists have been trying to uncover the root causes of premature aging. The fact that diabetes is a form of accelerated aging comes as a surprise to most people. In fact, life expectancy for people with diabetes is four to eight years less than for non-diabetics. Both aging and diabetes share two important biological processes that damage the body: glycation, which results in damage to protein and lipid molecules, and oxidative stress, characterized by increased free-radical activity and damage to tissues by molecules like reactive sugar aldehydes. And many signs and symptoms of diabetes also commonly occur with aging, including:

• Cardiovascular ailments, such as heart attack, poor circulation in the legs, and atherosclerosis, and stroke.
• Increased prevalence of certain types of cancer (pancreas, colon, and liver).
• Vision problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal degeneration.
• Impotence.
• Hearing loss.
• Memory loss or other cognitive impairment.
• Skin conditions, such as rashes, infections, thin skin, and discoloration.
• Loss of elasticity and flexibility of skin and other tissues.

Given that diabetes and aging share so many characteristics, it’s not surprising that they also respond to many of the same prevention and treatment strategies.

It is crucial that diabetics and those predisposed to diabetes understand the ways in which blood glucose causes damage and take active steps to interrupt these processes.

The most notorious process is Glycation, it occurs when glucose reacts with protein, resulting in sugar-damaged proteins, resulting in a series of diabetes-related complications such as nerve damage, heart attack, and blindness.

Oxidative stress is also central to the damage caused by diabetes. Diabetics suffer from high levels of free radicals that damage arteries throughout the body. It is important that diabetics understand the need for antioxidant therapy to help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of diabetic complications.

Thus, a new approach to diabetes recognition and treatment is needed to better manage diabetes and work towards a healthier and longer life.

Adapted from articles from US Life Extension website