Insulin resistance in Ageing: An Ayurvedic Approach

Abstract

Ageing is a progressive, inevitable biological process associated with functional decline and increased susceptibility to metabolic disorders, notably insulin resistance. Modern science attributes insulin resistance in ageing to changes in body composition, hormonal alterations, oxidative stress, and reduced physical activity. Ayurveda explains ageing (Jara) as a natural process governed by Sahaja hetu and Vata dosha aggravation, leading to disturbances in Agni, Dhatu, and Ojas. Ageing is accompanied by gradual metabolic changes, with insulin resistance emerging as a key factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Contemporary biomedical research links insulin resistance in ageing to increased adiposity, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance. Ayurveda provides a comprehensive framework for understanding ageing (Jara) and metabolic imbalance through the principles of Dosha, Dhatu, Agni, and Srotas. Ageing is marked by the predominance of Vata, accompanied by Dhatukshaya and Agnimandya, resulting in compromised tissue metabolism.Insulin resistance may be understood in Ayurvedic terms as a manifestation of Medo dhatu dushti, Dhatvagni mandya, and Medovaha srotodushti, corresponding to the early stages of Prameha.The accumulation of Ama resulting from impaired Agni further aggravates metabolic dysfunction.The Ayurvedic approach emphasizes both prevention and treatment through Ahara, Vihara, Rasayana therapy, and purification measures aimed at re-establishing Agni and metabolic balance. This article explores insulin resistance in ageing through an integrative Ayurvedic perspective, correlating classical concepts with contemporary biomedical theories.