MODULE SUPPLEMENT: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
What Do We See Clinically?

Studies have estimated that fasting blood sugar (FBS) increases by about 1-2mg/dl/decade (Elahi & Muller, 2000; Ratnakant, Ochs, & Solomon, 2003; Timiras, 2003). However, even with this small increase, FBS should stay within normal limits. In contrast, under challenge the decreased reserve capacity of the pancreas becomes more obvious. Glucose rises higher and returns to baseline more slowly in older vs. younger individuals. Estimates of the increase that occurs with age in plasma glucose levels two hours after an oral glucose challenge have ranged from about 5.3mg/dl to 15mg/dl per decade (Elahi & Muller, 2000; Ratnakant, Ochs, & Solomon, 2003). Thus, there may be some slight increase in HgbA1c, to the higher end of normal, and a slight increase in insulin levels.