The body of research doesn’t include a clear answer to this question. The idea that reductions in insulin production and insulin action might increase longevity is intertwined with the “rate of living theory of aging”. There is some observational evidence in humans[1] to suggest that lower levels of insulin might be associated with longevity, and there is interventional data in rodents[2] and worms[3] implying that insulin may influence longevity. However, this hypothesis has similar limitations to those mentioned above in that there is a lack of experimental evidence in humans to support the idea. Currently, there is not enough evidence to suggest restriction of carbohydrates (and associated reduction in insulin) increases longevity in humans.
References
- ^van Heemst D, Beekman M, Mooijaart SP, Heijmans BT, Brandt BW, Zwaan BJ, Slagboom PE, Westendorp RGReduced insulin/IGF-1 signalling and human longevityAging Cell.(2005 Apr)
- ^Blüher M, Kahn BB, Kahn CRExtended longevity in mice lacking the insulin receptor in adipose tissueScience.(2003 Jan 24)
- ^Kimura KD, Tissenbaum HA, Liu Y, Ruvkun Gdaf-2, an insulin receptor-like gene that regulates longevity and diapause in Caenorhabditis elegansScience.(1997 Aug 15)