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

Maren said that, while arm fat itself isn’t inherently dangerous, higher levels are often associated with a higher BMI, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome—conditions that raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

That drives insulin resistance, fatty liver and undesirable blood lipids, raises blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, and is linked to sleep apnea. —New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025

In fact, even short-term sleep loss—just a night or two of tossing and turning—can impact insulin resistance and intensify sweet treat cravings. —Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 24 Sep. 2025

Determined to get her symptoms in check, Schweers started taking inositol, a supplement shown to improve insulin resistance and enhance egg quality, and a series of other supplements. —Essence, 19 Sep. 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