Final answer:
Chronic exposure to insulin leads to an increased number of glucose transporters, enhanced activity of enzymes converting glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, and increased glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic exposure to insulin triggers several adaptations in skeletal muscle tissue. Firstly, there is an increase in the number of glucose transporters (GLUT4) on the muscle cell membrane, which enhances glucose uptake. Secondly, the intracellular enzyme activity that converts glucose to glucose-6-phosphate is upregulated, ensuring a concentration gradient that consistently allows glucose to flow from blood to muscle cells.
Thirdly, insulin promotes the synthesis of glycogen within muscle cells, storing glucose for future energy needs. Additionally, muscular insulin sensitivity is improved, which may prevent the catabolization of muscle protein, instead encouraging muscle growth and repair.