Mechanistically, miR-487b-3p negatively regulated IRS1 to modulate glucose uptake.<h4>Conclusion</h4>miR-487b-3p may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for NAFLD, and miR-487b-3p negatively regulates IRS1 to modulate glucose uptake, thereby impairing insulin sensitivity in NAFLD patients. The gene discussed is IRS1; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.