Glycerolipid/free fatty acid cycle and islet β-cell function in health, obesity and diabetes

► We describe the organization of the glycerolipid/free fatty acid cycle in the β-cell. ► We discuss the significance of β-cell GL/FFA cycle in glucose stimulated insulin secretion. ► The role of this cycle in generating signals for β-cell growth is evaluated. ► We propose that the lipolytic segment of GL/FFA cycle produces signals for insulin secretion. ► We examine the role of the lipogenic segment in generating signals for β-cell growth.