Myths vs facts: Insulin and Langlebigkeit

The link between insulin and longevity is often oversimplified. A common myth: 'High insulin = early death.' In reality, insulin is essential for life. The nuance: chronically elevated insulin (hyperinsulinemia), usually driven by insulin resistance, is associated with metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and accelerated aging in observational and mechanistic studies. However, causality in humans is not firmly established. Another myth: 'Low insulin extends lifespan.' This stems from observations in centenarians who often have good insulin sensitivity. But low insulin alone is not a longevity guarantee—it is a marker of metabolic health, not a direct cause. Evidence comes mostly from mechanistic and epidemiological research; robust RCTs directly linking insulin levels to human lifespan are lacking. Thus, the evidence grade is 'human-moderate' to 'mechanistic'. Consumer DNA tests claiming to predict insulin-related longevity risks are not scientifically validated. Lifestyle factors—exercise, diet, weight management—remain the proven strategies to improve insulin sensitivity and potentially support healthy aging.