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

The Risk Factors Worth Tracking at Midlife There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, and Mayo Clinic identifies insulin resistance as the main cause. —Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

For people with insulin resistance and diabetes, this can cause higher blood sugar levels. —Gavin Escott, USA Today, 1 May 2026

The Mayo Clinic identifies insulin resistance as the main driver. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026

According to the Mayo Clinic, the main cause of the condition is insulin resistance. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 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