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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Additionally, detailed glucose tests assessed insulin resistance and sensitivity. New Atlas, 13 July 2025 Fast eating may raise your risk of metabolic syndrome by contributing to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, insulin resistance, and inflammation.1 6. Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 7 July 2025 Chronic dysregulation of the nervous system, marked by sustained elevated cortisol levels, is already known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and immune dysfunction. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025 Hiding deep inside the body, a dangerous type of fat wraps itself around vital organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart — triggering inflammation that can lead to insulin resistance and chronic diseases which cut life short. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 23 June 2025 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 18 Jul. 2025.

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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