[Age dependence of carbohydrate tolerance and insulin secretion (author's transl)].

In 81 healthy male volunteers with normal blood pressure, normal body weight of different age (18-58 years) an intravenous glucose tolerance test with determination of blood sugar and serum insulin levels was done. Furthermore triglycerids and total cholesterol serum levels were measured. The investigations have shown: 1. With increasing age - independent from relative body weight - a highly significant decrease of glucose tolerance controlled by means of k-value according to Conard is to be measured. 2. With increasing age significant decrease of insulinsecretion after intravenous application of glucose is to be measured. Basal serum insulin levels do not significant change with increasing age. 3. With increasing age significant increase of total cholesterol serum level is to be measured, whereas triglycerid serum levels do not change. 4. Because of the significant negative correlation between k-value and total cholesterol discussion is done, that disturbances in fat metabolism are able to lead to a further deteriosation of glucoseutilisation. The investigations have shown, that the diminished glucose tolerance with increasing age is mainly related to an insufficient function of the beta-cell with increasing age.