How To Live Better... And Longer

A study published in 2024 in the journal GeroScience from the prestigious Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, explored the differences in blood samples taken from individuals in Sweden between 1985 and 1996, comparing those who lived to be 100 years old and those who died earlier. The goal was to find clues in the blood that might explain exceptional longevity.  

Researchers discovered several significant differences in biomarker levels between the two groups. Centenarians, those who lived to 100, tended to have higher levels of total cholesterol and iron in their blood. Conversely, they had lower levels of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and several liver function markers (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase). They also had lower levels of total iron-binding capacity, which is related to iron in the blood. These differences were apparent even when the blood samples were taken many years before some participants died, suggesting that these biomarker levels might play a significant role in how long people live. The study also looked at whether centenarians had similar blood profiles. Overall, their biomarker levels were quite similar.

What do these findings mean? Well, lower glucose levels are seen in indivduals who maintain insulin sensitivity. In other words, they were not Type 2 diabetics. Elevated creatinine is a marker of impaired kidney function, commonly seen in Type 2 diabetics. Elevated liver function markers and elevated uric acid can mean impaired liver function. This is commonly seen in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) frequently found in Type 2 diabetics. A low Iron/Total Iron Binding Capacity ratio can be an indicator of anemia, more commonly seen in Type 2 diabetics because of poor nutrition, chronic inflammation, and kidney disease (through decreased erythropoetin production by the kidney).

In conclusion, the study indicates that specific biomarkers are linked to the likelihood of reaching 100 years old. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus can alter these biomarkers in ways predictive of a shortened lifespan.

Download a copy of the study here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10828184/pdf/11357_2023_Article_936.pdf