there does appear to be a strong link between decreased insulin sensitivity in obese animals; however, it is unknown which syndrome is the cause and which is the result. it is possible adipokines and cytokines made in adipose tissue down-regulate insulin pathways. it is also possible that ir occurs when adipocytes are overwhelmed, leading to the accumulation of lipid within other tissues. when certain tissues that are sensitive to insulin, such as skeletal muscle, develop triglyceride deposits, cellular functions are altered, one of which is insulin signaling.