Shoulder conditions like rotator cuff tendinopathy are more common as we get older. It is
painful, it interferes with daily activities, and it can take a long time to get rid of it.

The observation that it is more common as we age is a correct observation.
This research where 16 studies were included, found that age above 50 years was the most
common risk factor for developing a rotator cuff problem (Leong HT, et.al., 2019).

Diabetes was the second most common risk factor for developing shoulder tendinopathy.

It’s interesting that as we get older, most people also tend to get less insulin sensitive.
When we get less insulin sensitive the blood glucose increases, and high blood glucose results
in a reaction between glucose and protein, forming glycosylated proteins that cause damage
to tissue. This again triggers inflammation.
You don’t, however, have to be so insulin resistant that you are diagnosed with diabetes for this
to take place.

What else can increase the risk of tendinopathy?
The following study investigated if increased blood lipid levels could be involved in tendon
ruptures.
47 patients with Achilles tendon ruptures were compared to a control group (Ozgurtas T, et.al,
2003).
The researchers found that total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)
concentrations of the patients were higher, and their high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(HDL) was lower than the control group.
The concentrations of triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) were
also significantly higher than the control group.
It’s interesting that these test results also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
You can change this by making better food choices to reduce free radical damage and
inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.
High nutrient, low glycemic index plant food can improve this, and so can supplement like
S-Acetyl Glutathione and plant-derived compounds like curcumin, Boswellia, ginger and
hops.

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References:

Leong HT, Fu SC, He X, Oh JH, Yamamoto N, Hang S. Risk factors for rotator cuff tendinopathy:
A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Rehabil Med. 2019 Oct 4;51(9):627-637.

Ozgurtas T, Yildiz C, Serdar M, Atesalp S, Kutluay T. Is high concentration of serum lipids a risk
factor for Achilles tendon rupture? Clin Chim Acta. 2003 May;331(1-2):25-8.