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

Muscle growth can also be inhibited by the downstream effects of excess fat, such as insulin resistance and the release of inflammatory molecules, Brad Schoenfeld, an exercise-science professor at Lehman College, told me. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025

Prolonged sitting contributes to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic issues, even in active individuals. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025

Even people who appear healthy can experience liver stress and insulin resistance if their gut microbes aren’t equipped to handle excess fructose. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025

Fiber is important for gut and heart health and can reduce insulin resistance. —Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 7 Oct. 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