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

When that vascular responsiveness is compromised, often by conditions like hypertension, insulin resistance, smoking or chronic inflammation, erectile function suffers. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Chronically high blood sugar levels can raise the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 18 June 2025

According to one meta-analysis, kefir may also help lower insulin levels, which may contribute to insulin resistance. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025

Metformin, a medication traditionally used for type 2 diabetes, is often used to improve insulin resistance and support ovulatory function in women with PCOS. —Advertorial, Oc Register, 5 June 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