Which factor(s) associated with aging contribute(s) to the high incidence of type 2 di-abetes mellitus in older adults?

Question

a. Fewer T-lymphocytes
b. Less lean muscle mass
c. Decreased thyroid function
d. Decreased physical activity
e. Left ventricular hypertrophy
f. Decreased insulin sensitivity

Answer 1

B, C, D, F

a. Incorrect. Fewer T-lymphocytes are associated with age-related changes caused by au-toimmune reactions wherein the body recognizes itself as a foreign substance and works to destroy it. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is considered an autoimmune disorder.
b. Correct. Less lean muscle mass means that the body has fewer insulin receptor sites; thus glucose circulates in the blood stream longer, leading to hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
c. Correct. Decreased thyroid function decreases the metabolic rate. If the metabolic rate de-creases without a corresponding decrease in caloric intake, the body consumes more food than it needs for its metabolic rate and hyperglycemia occurs.
d. Correct. Decreased physical activity contributes to type 2 diabetes in two ways. First, a less active person has less lean muscle mass than an active person. Second, physical activity helps to metabolize glucose; if activity decreases and food consumption does not decrease, hyperglycemia occurs.
e. Incorrect. Left ventricular hypertrophy is not directly related to the increased incidence of type 2 diabetes in older adults; however, if hypertrophy leads to exercise intolerance, then it can be related to an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes.
f. Correct. Insulin sensitivity decreases with age and increases the need for insulin in older adults. To prevent hyperglycemia, the older adult must increase physical activity and de-crease food consumption.