Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Acute free fatty acid elevation eliminates endurance training effect on insulin sensitivity
Lisa S Chow1, Elizabeth R Seaquist, Lynn E Eberly
1Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. chow0007@umn.edu
Endurance training does not protect against acute free fatty acid (FFA)-induced insulin resistance. In trained individuals, elevated FFA blunts the skeletal muscle mitochondrial mRNA response to insulin.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Health
- Skeletal Muscle Biology
Background:
- Training and normal body mass index are linked to high insulin sensitivity.
- The underlying mechanisms for this association may differ between trained and sedentary individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if lean, trained individuals are protected from acute free fatty acid (FFA)-induced insulin resistance compared to lean, sedentary individuals.
- To explore the impact of FFA on insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle molecular responses in different activity groups.
Main Methods:
- An interventional trial involving lean endurance-trained and sedentary participants.
- Concurrent hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with lipid or glycerol infusion.
- Measurement of glucose infusion rate (GIR) and skeletal muscle mitochondrial gene expression via biopsies.
Main Results:
- Trained individuals exhibited higher baseline insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial markers.
- Acute elevation of FFA similarly reduced insulin sensitivity (GIR) in both trained and sedentary groups.
- In trained individuals, elevated FFA abolished the stimulatory effect of hyperinsulinemia on mitochondrial mRNA levels.
Conclusions:
- Acute elevation of free fatty acids similarly impairs insulin sensitivity in both trained and sedentary humans.
- In trained individuals, FFA-induced insulin resistance is associated with altered skeletal muscle mitochondrial mRNA response to hyperinsulinemia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Metabolic States of the Body: The Absorptive State

