GLOSSARY

Age-Related Insulin Sensitivity Changes
Age-associated changes in insulin sensitivity reflect interacting effects of muscle mass, visceral adiposity, activity and health conditions.

Development changes the reference

Hormonal patterns vary with gestation, childhood, puberty, adulthood and aging. Appropriate interpretation considers developmental stage and physiological context. A value typical of one stage can be inappropriate in another, without implying that higher hormone concentrations are always preferable.

Specific considerations

• Chronological age does not determine a uniform degree of insulin resistance in every older adult.

Energy and reproductive function

Sustained low energy availability can alter metabolic and reproductive regulation. Symptoms and endocrine findings require assessment of other causes as well. Restoring adequate availability is central when deficiency is contributing, but the recovery time course differs among individuals and tissues.