Palmitic and Oleic Acid: The Yin and Yang of Fatty Acids in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Substituting SFAs by oleic acid in the diet improves insulin sensitivity in humans. Preclinical studies have shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which oleic acid prevents palmitic acid-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, and pancreas. The hypothalamus also senses oleic acid, where it activates a neuronal network that suppresses VLDL-TAG secretion in liver. Oleic acid protects against...