Detecting the spike protein of COVID-19 deteriorates insulin resistance of skeletal muscle in Chinese diabetes patients: analysis of blood glucose metabolism.

Publication date: Aug 01, 2026

Blood glucose metabolism is a key process for maintaining normal physiological functions of the human body. The maintenance of its homeostasis relies on complex hormone regulation and the synergistic effect of tissues and organs. However, when insulin resistance occurs in skeletal muscles, insulin signalling is impaired, and glucose uptake decreases, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This study investigates the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein’s effect on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) skeletal muscle in a specific demographic. In the cell experiment, we used human C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and co-cultured them with the spike protein to observe the effects of the spike protein on the proliferation, apoptosis, and glucose uptake. The research results show that the spike protein may reduce the expression and transport of GLUT4 by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, thereby decreasing glucose uptake, intensifying insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, and affecting blood glucose metabolism.