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

And there are other considerations as well including additional research that has raised concerns that high consumption of artificial sweeteners may increase appetite, disrupt gut bacteria and even contribute to insulin resistance. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025

This low-grade inflammation contributes to insulin resistance and increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, which can cause high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.1 2. —Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025

According to Nazzaro, weight gain during menopause—especially when driven by insulin resistance—can raise the risk of several serious health conditions, including sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers like breast and endometrial cancer. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 22 July 2025

Scientists have also discovered links between consumption and insulin resistance, Anderson-Haynes said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 July 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