Investigation of Fasting Plasma Glucose in Masters Athletes

Abstract

Prior research documented differences in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) between older and younger masters athletes at the Golden Oldies Rugby Festival (GORF). It was the purpose of our study to further investigate FPG on a larger sample. FPG data was collected on 486 participants at the Sydney World Masters Games. Of the males, 241 reported optimal FPG and 36 reported sub-optimal FPG. For females 183 reported optimal FPG and 26 reported sub-optimal FPG. Analysis was conducted utilising the age ranges implemented in past research on the GORF. The mean FPG for masters athletes below 50 years old was 5.10±1.52 mmol/L, whilst for those 50 years and above it was 5.01±1.02. The difference between the groups was not significant (t = 0.722, p = 0.471). This aligned with the finding of the GORF study that there was no significant difference in FPG between the different age ranges analysed. The sample size obtained for this investigation of FPG in masters athletes was more than double the number of participants used in previous research on the GORF. Many participants had FPG above optimal levels. Therefore, an age-related decline in pancreatic function may outweigh protective exercise benefits attained from masters sport participation.