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Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity

Meaning

Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity refers to the degree to which the liver responds appropriately to the circulating hormone insulin, primarily by efficiently suppressing endogenous glucose production. This is a critical determinant of systemic glucose homeostasis, as a highly sensitive liver efficiently stops releasing glucose into the bloodstream when insulin levels are elevated, such as following a meal. Diminished hepatic insulin sensitivity, clinically termed hepatic insulin resistance, is a core metabolic defect in the development of type 2 diabetes and contributes significantly to chronically elevated fasting blood glucose levels.