Blood Glucose Levels Post-Meal as a Predictor of Longevity
New research links lower blood glucose levels after meals with increased lifespan, highlighting the importance of postprandial blood sugar management for longevity and prevention of heart disease and cancer.
Recent research highlights a significant link between blood glucose concentrations after glucose consumption and overall life expectancy. While managing blood sugar is known to prevent diabetes and reduce mortality risk, new findings suggest that more specific glucose thresholds within the normal range could influence longevity.
A long-term study from Tohoku University, known as the Ohasama Study, has tracked the health of residents in a rural community in Japan for over four decades. This extensive data collection, including glucose tolerance tests, has facilitated new insights into how blood glucose responses relate to mortality.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 1,000 participants, focusing on blood glucose levels measured one hour after a glucose load. Their analysis revealed a strong correlation between higher post-glucose load blood sugar levels and increased risk of death, even after accounting for factors like age, obesity, and smoking.
The study divided participants into groups based on a critical threshold of 162 mg/dL (the median value). Those with levels below this threshold exhibited better survival rates over a 20-year period. Further analysis restricted to individuals with normal glucose tolerance identified 170 mg/dL as an optimal cutoff point; those below this level had significantly longer survival and fewer deaths related to heart disease and cancer.
Specifically, at 20 years follow-up, approximately 80% of individuals with blood glucose levels under 170 mg/dL remained alive, compared to about 50% in the higher group. This association underscores the importance of tight blood sugar regulation, especially shortly after eating.
These findings suggest that maintaining blood glucose levels below 170 mg/dL one hour after a meal could be a practical target for extending lifespan and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and malignancies. The study advocates for greater focus on postprandial glucose management, in addition to traditional diabetes prevention strategies.
Overall, this research emphasizes that even within the normal range, lower post-meal blood glucose levels could contribute to longer, healthier lives, urging a reevaluation of current glucose monitoring and dietary habits.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-blood-glucose-intake-linked-life.html
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