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

Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease — and midlife hormonal changes increase the chances of developing insulin resistance, which massively ups the chances of developing diabetes. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2026

High blood sugar exacerbates inflammation, especially for people with insulin resistance or diabetes. — Sunny Sea Gold, HEALTH, 7 Sep. 2026

However, people with diabetes lose more magnesium in their urine, lowering their levels and further worsening insulin resistance in this self-reinforcing loop. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

For blood sugar management, people with diabetes or insulin resistance may be able to time exercise strategically around meals. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 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