What is the primary consequence of excess calorie intake as it relates to glucose management?

Excess calorie intake primarily leads to resistance to glucose uptake. When individuals consume more calories than their body needs, the surplus energy often gets stored as fat. Over time, this accumulation of adipose tissue can impair the function of insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into tissues for energy or storage. With excessive fat around the organs, especially abdominal fat, the cells may become less responsive to insulin, leading to insulin resistance. This condition means that even though insulin is present, it is less effective in facilitating glucose uptake, resulting in higher circulating glucose levels in the blood, which can further complicate glucose management and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

In contrast, increased insulin sensitivity, decreased adipose tissue, and lowered triglyceride levels typically indicate healthier metabolic states rather than the result of excessive calorie intake.