05/02/2024
INSULIN RESISTANCE, FATTY LIVER, DIABETES T2
We have seen that, in a healthy subject, the pancreas produces INSULIN. This hormone is the key to getting glucose into your cell (through insulin receptors). Especially in the MUSCLE cell.
At the LIVER level, on the other hand, insulin always binds to its receptors to indicate to the liver not to release more glucose (since there is already so much glucose around).
Important that these receptors are exposed on the membrane,
In case of increased abdominal circumference, fatty acids are released from the adipose tissue (VISCERAL) that are deposited ectopicly (that is abnormal) at the level of the liver and muscle.
This causes the cell to be saturated with fat and insulin receptors no longer exposed on its plasma membrane. Therefore, insulin is no longer able to communicate and carry out its activity.
It derives INSULIN RESISTANCE. In other words, a condition where you have HYPERGLYCEMIA... but also HYPERINSULINEMIA.
This is because the pancreas, because of the high levels of glucose in the blood, will release more insulin.
In this condition we will have
👉 Fasting blood sugar >= 100 mg/dl
👉 Fasting insulinemia > 5 UI/ml
It should be considered that fats are also deposited at the pancreas level causing, over time, damage to beta cells (those that produce and release insulin) thus leading to Type 2 DIABETES.
INSULIN RESISTANCE AND FATTY LIVER
High insulin and blood sugar levels also stimulate triglyceride synthesis at the liver level (LIPOGENESI DE NOVO). This process produces triglycerides from glucose that is abundant.
If the diet is rich in FRUTTOSE, this will be transformed into triglycerides.
We will then have an increase in fat accumulating in the liver. Characterizing NON-ALCOHOLIC HEPATIC STEATOSIS, which, if not handled, can degenerate into HEPATIC CIRROSIS and HEPATOCARCINOMA.
It goes without saying that fatty liver worsens Insulin Resistance.