insulin resistance

noun

: reduced sensitivity to insulin by the body's insulin-dependent processes (such as glucose uptake and lipolysis) that is typical of type 2 diabetes but often occurs in the absence of diabetes

Examples of insulin resistance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, people with diabetes lose more magnesium in their urine, lowering their levels and further worsening insulin resistance in this self-reinforcing loop. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

For blood sugar management, people with diabetes or insulin resistance may be able to time exercise strategically around meals. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

High blood sugar and insulin resistance can alter the brain before problems are noticeable, and chronic inflammation, poor sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle can also negatively affect cognitive aging. — Allison Forsyth, HEALTH, 2 Sep. 2026

High levels of circulating insulin can feed the little fibers that cause these to form and can be a sign of pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insulin resistance

• magnetoresistance
• assistance
• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• persistence
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance

Medical Definition

insulin resistance

noun

: reduced sensitivity to insulin by the body's insulin-dependent processes (as glucose uptake, lipolysis, and inhibition of glucose production by the liver) that results in decreased activity of these processes or an increase in insulin production or both and that is typical of type 2 diabetes but often occurs in the absence of diabetes