What is the role of mitochondria in type 2 diabetes?

In type 2 diabetes, mitochondria struggle to effectively switch between fuel sources, particularly impacting their ability to use ketone bodies for energy.

How does MASLD affect energy production?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) impairs mitochondrial function, leading to decreased energy generation from ketone bodies in liver cells.

What are ketone bodies and why are they important?

Ketone bodies are molecules derived from fatty acids that serve as an alternative fuel source for organs when glucose is scarce, crucial for energy production.

Home / Health / Diabetes & MASLD: Power Plants Fail Fuel Switch

Diabetes & MASLD: Power Plants Fail Fuel Switch

25 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Mitochondria, body's energy producers, struggle to use ketone bodies for fuel.
Insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and MASLD impairs energy generation.
Study reveals a new target for improving energy metabolism in these conditions.

Diabetes & MASLD: Power Plants Fail Fuel Switch

Researchers have uncovered a critical energy metabolism issue affecting individuals with type 2 diabetes and MASLD. Mitochondria, essential for cellular energy, were found to be less efficient at utilizing ketone bodies, a key fuel source derived from fat breakdown. This impaired ability to switch between energy sources is particularly detrimental in states of insulin resistance.

The study utilized a novel high-resolution respirometry technique to directly assess mitochondrial energy generation from ketone bodies. Findings indicated a marked decrease in this process across various insulin-resistant conditions. Specifically, heart and skeletal muscle cells in type 2 diabetes patients, and liver cells in MASLD patients, demonstrated significantly reduced energy output from ketone metabolism.