Fig. 1. Tissue interplay in the control of glucose homeostasis.

a After a meal, the glucose is absorbed by the gut and the increase of blood glucose levels stimulates the secretion of insulin by beta cells of the pancreas. Then insulin inhibits hepatic glucose production and stimulates glucose uptake and utilization by skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in order to maintain systemic glycemia within a physiological range. Insulin also inhibits FFA release by adipose tissue in order to favor glucose metabolism. b Disruption of glucose homeostasis in T2DM, where both insulin resistance and altered insulin secretion by beta cells of the pancreas participate to chronic hyperglycemia