4. Decreased insulin sensitivity in muscle is related to impaired insulin signaling. This will be reflected by increased activity of protein kinase C (PKC). Because PKC is thought to exert its regulatory effect primarily on either tyrosine kinase activity on the insulin receptor or downstream kinase insulin receptor substrate (IRS) phosphorylation, these elements of the insulin signaling cascade will be decreased. In turn, elements of insulin signaling related to the response of muscle glucose (PI3 kinase) and protein (P70S6k) metabolism will be reduced. We propose that increased tissue PKC activity will be associated with increased tissue concentration of DAG, acyl-CoA, or acylcarnitine.