“Insulin resistance is not a disease in itself, but it is frequently associated with a series of cardiovascular risk factors included in the general definition of ‘metabolic syndrome’.
These include visceral obesity, diabetes, increased triglycerides and cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
In conditions of insulin resistance, metabolic flexibility is altered: the ability of the muscle to use either carbohydrates or fats, depending on the availability of energy substrates, is insufficient.
Individuals affected by insulin resistance have a reduced ability to use fats during fasting conditions, and the increased production of insulin is still not able to stimulate the metabolism of sugars.” (from the website of the Italian Ministry of Health: www.salute.gov.it) According to the text, what is meant by “metabolic flexibility”?
Full explanation
The term metabolic flexibility is explained in the 3rd sentence as the ability of the muscle to use either carbohydrates or fats, depending on the availability of the energy substrates.
The option that describes the term most closely is option A.