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

Gary explained that disruptions in the endocrine system can trigger inflammation, leading to conditions like insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and autoimmune disorders, which are increasingly linked to cancer. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

Weight gain Insulin can promote weight gain, so if it’s being produced in excess—as a result of consuming too much sugar, for example—that can lead to insulin resistance. —Angela Altomare, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2025

However, supplementation can also cause side effects, such as insulin resistance. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Metabolic syndrome is related to insulin resistance and can harm the blood vessels. —Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 3 Jan. 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