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

Several cohort studies, including a 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, link PFAS exposure with insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol and higher rates of metabolic syndrome, notably in middle-aged adults. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

These effects are especially relevant during menopause, when insulin resistance tends to rise and metabolism slows. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 May 2025

Patients also saw improvements in weight, blood sugar, and insulin resistance. —Cathy Nelson, Health, 13 May 2025

According to the Alzheimer’s Research Association, type 3 diabetes is a link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 13 May 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