Intramyocellular lipid concentrations are correlated with insulin sensitivity in humans: a 1H NMR spectroscopy study.

Low intramyocellular lipid concentrations are associated with high insulin sensitivity.

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between insulin resistance and intramuscular lipid concentration. Using a proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy technique and 2-h hyperinsulinaemia-euglycaemic clamp test, researchers measured the intramyocellular lipid content (IMLC) and insulin sensitivity respectively in 23 non-obese, non-diabetic subjects. The rate of whole-body glucose uptake was also assessed in all the subjects.

Researchers discovered that high concentrations of intramuscular lipid and fasting plasma non-esterified fatty acid were associated with reduced whole-body glucose uptake. According to this study, body mass index (BMI), age, fasting insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and non-esterified fatty acids had no effect on intramyocellular lipid levels. The findings of this study show that intramuscular lipid concentration is an excellent biomarker for whole body insulin sensitivity in normal weight, non-diabetic individuals.