Aging is a gradual and irreversible process. Over time, our cells and tissues do not work as well as they used to. One of the major changes that happens with age is a slowdown in metabolism – the process by which our bodies convert food into energy. This slowing of metabolism can lead to a condition called insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps control blood sugar levels.
When insulin does not work well and the body cannot make enough to compensate for this, blood sugar levels rise. This is a key feature of type 2 diabetes. The cells in the pancreas that produce insulin (called beta cells) lose their efficiency with age. These cells rely heavily on a part of the cell called the mitochondria, which acts like a power plant, producing the energy needed for the cells to work properly and release insulin.
However, as we age, our mitochondria become less efficient and start producing more harmful byproducts called reactive oxygen species (ROS). You can think of ROS as tiny sparks or exhaust fumes from a power plant—over time, if not cleared away, these can damage important machinery (cell parts) and even the structure of the building (DNA and proteins). This damage builds up and can lead cells to die off, much like how a machine eventually breaks down after years of wear and tear. These ROS can damage important parts of our cells, including DNA and proteins. Over time, this damage builds up and can lead cells to die off in a process known as apoptosis.
This loss is often permanent, which is why early detection and intervention are so important. While there’s no way to stop aging, treatments like lifestyle changes, medications (such as metformin), and in some cases newer therapies targeting mitochondrial function or oxidative stress, can help preserve beta cell function and improve insulin sensitivity.
This article was developed in partnership with Diabetes Action Canada as part of the Canadian National Graduate Course in Islet Biology and Diabetes hosted by the University Toronto (BCH2140).
About the author
Mithusha Peragerasingam
Mithusha is a graduate student in Biochemistry at the University of Toronto researching the role of mitochondria in diabetes. Mithusha studies these tiny powerhouses in our cells to understand their role in diabetes progression and uncover new treatment strategies. Mithusha is working to move discoveries from the lab bench to the bedside.
articles
The Impact of Menstrual Cycles, Menopause, and Hormones on Blood Sugar
Hormones do more than regulate reproductive health. They also significantly influence how your body uses insulin and manages blood sugar. Whether you’re menstruating, going through menopause, or living with diabetes, understanding how hormonal shifts affect glucose can help you manage your health. Menstrual Cycle: A Monthly Shift in Blood Sugar The menstrual cycle typically lasts...
articles
How Well Will a Particular Drug Work for You?
Before most new drugs are approved by governments for the treatment of diabetes (or any disease for that matter) they need to be tested in large numbers of patients within randomized controlled trials. For diabetes, these trials compare the effect of taking these drugs versus a placebo or an alternative drug on glucose levels, hypoglycemic...
articles
Remission versus Cure – What’s the Difference?
Whether healthcare providers use the term remission or cure to describe the effect of treatment on diabetes or any disease depends on what is known about the disease. “Cure” is typically used when discussing the treatment of a wide variety of infections, some conditions causing pain, and various other medical problems. It is typically used...