Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Gülhane Askeri Tıp Akademisi İç Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı - Ankara Three important component of insulin resistance are increased triglyseride levels, decreased HDL cholesterole levels and changes in LDL cholesterole content. On the other hand, insulin resistance shows harmful effect via its direct role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and hypertension development. Are the change in insulin resistance and insulin secretion with age due to potentially modifiable factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle or are there some intrinsic and as of yet unidentified factors? Deficiency of lipoprotein lipase which is sensitive to insulin may elucitede the abnormal level of remnant particles seen in patients with insulin resistance. increased sodium sensitivity associated with insulin resistance is also an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in hypertensive patients. it appears that a part of the insulin resistance seen in the elderly may be reversed through appropriate diet and physical activities. The hyperinsülinemia that is found in the clinical studies of the elderly is also due to obesity and a detrimental fat distribution. However, in the very old, cross-sectional evidence seems to show a worsening of glucose tolerance even in the face of lower weight and percentages of the body fat. it appears that this may be due to a gradual reduction with age in beta cell function. Effects of age on body should be considered with its effects on both insulin secretion and function are assessed. Both insulin sensitivity disorders and changes occurring in vasodilatation due to insulin seen in renal artery with aging play important roles hypertension related to age. Keywords : Aging, insulin resistance, Renal, Atherosclerosis