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

Although larger studies are needed on the topic, magnesium supplementation may reduce insulin resistance, which is when your cells don't respond well to the hormone insulin and so glucose (sugar) is not taken out of your blood as well. —Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 11 Dec. 2025

For people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes, frequent large servings of white rice may contribute to greater blood sugar fluctuations over time. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2025

That inflammation, in turn, can lead to insulin resistance, a state where our cells no longer properly respond to insulin, a hormone that allows the glucose in our blood to move into our cells for use as energy. —New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2025

Low omega-3 levels, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with a range of medical conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, poor cognition, mood disorders and more, studies have shown. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 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