The Link Between Aging and Metabolic Health:
What the Blood Tests Tell You

Metabolism changes is a sign of aging, as they are closely linked to various physiological processes that decline as we grow older. Metabolic changes accelerate the aging process and can increase the risk of age-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative ailments. However, it’s essential to note that not all changes associated with aging are inevitable and can be influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Here’s how metabolism changes with age:

Slowed Metabolic Rate

As people age, the metabolic rate tends to decrease. This means the body requires fewer calories to maintain basic bodily functions at rest. This slowdown can lead to weight gain if calorie intake is not adjusted accordingly. The body has a built-in regulatory mechanism known as the metabolic set point, which helps maintain a stable weight over time. However, with age, this set point can shift, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it, even with efforts to reduce calorie intake and increase physical activity.

Changes in Hormone Levels

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. With aging, hormone levels fluctuate and decline. For example, levels of growth hormone, which helps regulate metabolism and muscle mass, decrease with age. Changes in hormones such as insulin and thyroid hormones also impact metabolism. Insulin resistance, which becomes more prevalent with age, lead to higher blood sugar levels and a reduced ability to efficiently use glucose for energy.

Loss Of Muscle Mass

One of the primary factors contributing to a slower metabolic rate with age is the loss of lean muscle mass, a condition known as sarcopenia. Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, meaning it requires more energy (calories) to maintain. As people age, they tend to lose muscle mass due to a combination of factors including decreased physical activity, hormonal changes, and changes in protein metabolism. With less muscle mass, the body’s basal metabolic rate (the energy required to maintain basic bodily functions at rest) decreases, leading to a slower overall metabolism.

Maintaining optimal metabolic health is crucial for healthy aging and disease prevention. Blood tests play a key role in assessing metabolic health by providing insights into various biomarkers of the blood test. Understanding how to interpret these lab test results can empower individuals to take proactive steps towards improving their metabolic health.

Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG)

FBG measures the concentration of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast.
Typically, FBG levels should fall between 70 to 100 mg/dL.
Elevated FBG levels may indicate impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, or diabetes. Values above the normal range may warrant further evaluation and lifestyle modifications to improve metabolic health.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)

HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycosylated.
HbA1c levels below 5.7% are considered normal, while values between 5.7% to 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and levels of 6.5% or higher suggest diabetes.
Elevated HbA1c levels indicate poor glucose control and are associated with an increased risk of diabetes-related complications.

Lipid Profile

A lipid profile assesses levels of total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglycerides, which are important indicators of cardiovascular health.
Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women, and triglycerides below 150 mg/dL are considered optimal.
Elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with low HDL cholesterol levels, increase the risk of heart disease.

Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST)

Liver function tests assess levels of enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), which indicate liver health and function.
Normal ranges: ALT and AST levels should typically fall within the reference range provided by the laboratory.
Elevated ALT and AST levels may suggest liver inflammation or damage, which can be caused by conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or viral hepatitis.

Understanding blood test results related to metabolic health empowers individuals to take control of their well-being and make informed decisions to optimize health outcomes. Lifestyle intervention, such as a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, can help improve lipid levels and reduce cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring, coupled with proactive lifestyle modifications, plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal metabolic health and reducing the risk of metabolic disorders and associated complications. By working collaboratively with healthcare providers and prioritizing preventive care, individuals can embark on a journey towards healthy aging and lifelong metabolic wellness.