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CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN THE ELDERLY
Most studies have revealed rises in glucose levels, especially post prandial blood glucose levels that directly correlate with age. Fasting blood glucose increases by 0.05 to 0.1 mmol/L per decade, with postprandial blood glucose levels increasing up to 0.8 mmol/L per decade.
The relative importance and mechanisms of deficient insulin secretion and action during ageing are still debated. The increased hyperglycemia may be due to delayed suppression of hepatic glucose output owing to impaired insulin release, and reduced rate of peripheral uptake.  The predominant problem of lean elderly diabetics is insulin deficiency. Obese patients have both insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. 
The predominant problem of lean elderly diabetics is insulin deficiency. Obese patients have both insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Major contribution also comes from extrinsic factors like diet, medication, activity, chronic illness and stress, which reduce the muscle mass and alter other organ functions resulting in glucose intolerance.
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