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

This could lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes over time. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026

With insulin resistance, your pancreas has to work harder to produce more insulin to move sugar out of your blood. —Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026

Antioxidants help prevent diabetic complications and insulin resistance. —Laura Schober, Health, 12 June 2026

In your 50s, cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, hormones, and bone density need closer attention, since travel often feels more taxing. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 12 June 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