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

Consuming large portions of carb-rich sides and sweets can send blood sugar levels soaring, especially in those with diabetes and insulin resistance. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 Nov. 2025

Childhood obesity is a significant risk factor, because it is associated with factors like insulin resistance, inflammation and vascular function, Song said. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025

In insulin resistance, the body's cells become less sensitive to insulin, which leads to higher blood sugar levels. —Leigh Weddle, Verywell Health, 11 Nov. 2025

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body still produces insulin, but has trouble using it properly—this is known as insulin resistance and causes high blood sugar. —Beth Krietsch, SELF, 11 Nov. 2025

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