What role does Insulin play in Langlebigkeit?

Insulin is a key hormone in glucose metabolism and plays a significant role in longevity. Chronically elevated insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia), often due to insulin resistance, promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and accelerated cellular aging. This is a risk factor for metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative processes. Conversely, low insulin output, as seen with caloric restriction or intermittent fasting, is associated with extended healthspan. The insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved and influences lifespan in model organisms (worms, flies, mice). In humans, the effects are more complex: insulin sensitivity and balanced blood glucose are markers of healthy aging. However, direct causal evidence for lifespan extension through insulin modulation in humans is limited; most data come from epidemiological studies and animal models. Thus, caution is warranted: insulin is an important but not sole factor in longevity.