What effect does insulin resistance have on glucose production in the liver?

Insulin resistance leads to an increase in glucose production in the liver primarily because the body's cells become less responsive to insulin. Normally, insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by tissues and also inhibits the liver's production of glucose. However, when insulin resistance occurs, this inhibition is diminished, resulting in an unregulated increase in hepatic glucose output.

As a result, despite elevated insulin levels, the liver continues to produce glucose, contributing to higher blood sugar levels. This unrestrained glucose production can exacerbate hyperglycemia, which is a hallmark of conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Understanding this mechanism is essential in the context of metabolic disorders where the regulation of glucose is perturbed, highlighting the critical role insulin plays in maintaining glucose homeostasis.