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

On the metabolic side, patients might develop insulin resistance, weight gain, difficulty with weight loss and dark velvety skin patches around the neck or armpits, as well as significantly elevated risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. —Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Your doctor can check your hormones for insulin resistance or elevated androgen, a hormone which can cause things like acne, balding or increased body hair, Boots said. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 May 2026

Experts also say the condition can impact long-term physical and emotional health, increasing the risk of issues like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and depression. —Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026

Research shows a strong link between HS severity and metabolic factors like obesity and insulin resistance, which contribute to a chronic pro-inflammatory state. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 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