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
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These fluctuations can be more noticeable in people who have diabetes, prediabetes, and insulin resistance. — Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 13 Oct. 2026 In the premium version of the app, Health Guardian also monitors blood pressure, insulin resistance, and sleeping trends. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026 Visceral fat, which sits deep inside the abdomen wrapped around internal organs, affects metabolism and influences insulin resistance. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 It is often associated with insulin resistance, obesity, or certain endocrine disorders. — Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insulin resistance

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulin resistance was in 1927

Cite this Entry

“Insulin resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin%20resistance. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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
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