Page "Insulin resistance" Paragraph 1

Insulin resistance in muscle and fat cells reduces glucose uptake ( and also local storage of glucose as glycogen and triglycerides, respectively ), whereas insulin resistance in liver cells results in reduced glycogen synthesis and storage and a failure to suppress glucose production and release into the blood.

Insulin resistance normally refers to reduced glucose-lowering effects of insulin.

However, other functions of insulin can also be affected.

For example, insulin resistance in fat cells reduces the normal effects of insulin on lipids and results in reduced uptake of circulating lipids and increased hydrolysis of stored triglycerides.

Increased mobilization of stored lipids in these cells elevates free fatty acids in the blood plasma.

Elevated blood fatty-acid concentrations ( associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus Type 2 ), reduced muscle glucose uptake, and increased liver glucose production all contribute to elevated blood glucose levels.

High plasma levels of insulin and glucose due to insulin resistance are a major component of the metabolic syndrome.

If insulin resistance exists, more insulin needs to be secreted by the pancreas.

If this compensatory increase does not occur, blood glucose concentrations increase and type 2 diabetes occurs.