Cross-sectional NHANES study links higher estimated glucose disposal rate to younger biological age
In a cross-sectional analysis of 15,048 U.S. adults from NHANES 2003–2018, higher estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), a proxy for insulin sensitivity, was associated with younger biological age and lower odds of accelerated aging; this is an association, not proof of cause. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
This cross-sectional study analyzed 15,048 U.S. adults from NHANES 2003–2018 and used eGDR as a proxy indicator of insulin sensitivity. [1]
After comprehensive adjustment, each 1-unit higher eGDR was associated with a 1.88-year lower KDM-BA and a 0.60-year lower PA. [1]
Compared with the lowest eGDR tertile, the highest tertile had an 87% lower likelihood of KDM-BA acceleration and a 60% lower probability of PA acceleration. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Cross-sectional study (abstract).
- Population / context
- 15,048 U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003–2018.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- June 10, 2026
eGDR and biological aging in 15,048 U.S. adults
The study asked whether eGDR, a proxy indicator of insulin sensitivity, is connected to biological aging. eGDR was calculated from waist circumference, hypertension and HbA1c. Biological aging was measured with three markers: homeostatic dysregulation (HD), Klemera-Doubal method biological age (KDM-BA) and phenotypic age (PA). The authors note that insulin resistance correlates with accelerated aging but that the link to eGDR had not been systematically examined.
Supporting source [1]
Higher eGDR linked to younger biological age markers
After comprehensive adjustment, each 1-unit higher eGDR was associated with a 1.88-year lower KDM-BA, a 0.60-year lower PA and a 16% lower HD. Compared with the lowest eGDR tertile (T1), the highest tertile (T3) had an 87% lower likelihood of KDM-BA acceleration and a 60% lower probability of PA acceleration. Restricted cubic splines indicated a nonlinear inverse association. Subgroup analyses showed higher eGDR consistently correlated with younger biological age, despite notable interaction effects.
Supporting source [1]
Cross-sectional design limits causal interpretation
The authors describe this as a large cross-sectional analysis of U.S. adults and conclude that higher eGDR levels were associated with younger biological age and lower odds of accelerated aging. Because eGDR and biological age markers were assessed at the same time, the design cannot show whether higher eGDR precedes or causes younger biological age. The abstract reports no follow-up period. Only the abstract was reviewed; the full text was not reviewed.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This is a cross-sectional design, so associations cannot establish causation or temporal order. No follow-up period is reported. Findings apply to the analyzed NHANES sample of U.S. adults.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Zhao M, Cao J, Li M, Zhang J, Zhang W, Li Q. · europepmc.org · June 10, 2026