Impaired adipose tissue lipid storage, but not altered lipolysis, contributes to elevated levels of NEFA in type 2 diabetes. Degree of hyperglycemia and adiposity are important factors

In T2D subjects, NEFA turnover is impaired, but not due to defects in lipolysis or lipid beta-oxidation. Impaired adipose NEFA re-esterification or de novo lipogenesis is likely to contribute to higher NEFA plasma levels in T2D. The data suggest that hyperglycemia and adiposity are important contributing factors for the regulation of plasma NEFA concentrations.