# Insulin sensitivity

Insulin sensitivity is how well your cells respond to insulin. The key cells are in muscle, liver, and fat. When insulin works, they take up glucose, and the liver shuts off its glucose output. With higher sensitivity, you need less insulin to keep blood sugar normal. That eases the strain on your pancreatic beta cells. It is improved by physical activity, sleep, low visceral fat, and dietary fiber. Strong insulin sensitivity is a hallmark of metabolic health, and of longevity-relevant resilience.

## Sources

- DeFronzo RA, Tobin JD, Andres R. (1979). Glucose Clamp Technique: A Method for Quantifying Insulin Secretion and Resistance. American Journal of Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.1979.237.3.E214

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/glossary/insulin-sensitivity · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-22_