Role of Fatty Acids in the Pathogenesis of Insulin Resistance and NIDDM

Evidence is reviewed that free fatty acids (FFAs) are one important link between obesity and insulin resistance and NIDDM. First, plasma FFA levels are elevated in most obese subjects. Second, physiological elevations in plasma FFA concentrations inhibit insulin stimulated peripheral glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner in normal controls and in patients with NIDDM. Two possible mechanisms are identified: 1) a fat-related inhibition of...