Older guys with type 2 diabetes tend to have more of two specific hormones in their blood—FGF-21 and myostatin—than older guys without diabetes, which might mean these hormones are involved in how metabolism goes off track as we age.

What we've found so far is that older men with type 2 diabetes tend to have higher levels of two hormones—FGF-21 and myostatin—in their blood compared to older men without diabetes [1]. Our current analysis shows the evidence leans toward this pattern being present. We looked at the available evidence and found 38.0 supporting assertions and no studies that refute this observation [1]. FGF-21 is a hormone involved in how the body regulates sugar and fat metabolism. Myostatin plays a role in limiting muscle growth. Higher levels of these hormones in older men with type 2 diabetes may suggest they are linked to metabolic changes that happen with aging and diabetes. But we don’t know from this evidence whether these hormones are a cause, a response, or just a side effect of those changes. Our analysis of the research so far is limited to what has been reported in these assertions. We cannot say why these hormone levels are higher or what exactly they do in the context of aging and diabetes. There’s also no data provided on how factors like fitness, diet, or medication might influence these levels. What this means for you: If you’re an older man with type 2 diabetes, your body may be producing more of these hormones than someone without diabetes. While we don’t yet know how that affects your health or muscle function, it highlights that your metabolism is working differently. Future updates from us may clarify whether targeting these hormones could matter for long-term health.