Obesity and glucose metabolism

Abstract

Obesity is associated with multiple metabolic alterations that are risk factors for glucose homeostasis abnormalities, cardiovascular diseases, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is believed that insulin resistance in the adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle is crucial in the pathogenesis of these metabolic abnormalities. Adipocytes are key regulators of whole-body energy homeostasis, and altered adipose tissue glucose metabolism is also an important cause of insulin resistance and metabolic function. Adipose tissue contributes to the development of obesity-related glucose abnormalities through excessive release of free fatty acids (FFA), adipokines, cytokines, and macrophage infiltration.