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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some studies have shown that DHEA helps to reduce abdominal fat, improve insulin resistance and reduce inflammation in the arteries. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024 One study found eating eggs for breakfast may help improve insulin resistance and blood pressure levels, although more research is necessary. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024 Type 2 diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), insulin resistance, and widespread changes to the brain. —Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 3 Oct. 2024 Rather than encouraging her patients to conform to an idealized weight or body type, Gordon focuses on things such as blood pressure, insulin resistance and lipid numbers. —Christie Aschwanden, Scientific American, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for insulin resistance 

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulin resistance was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near insulin resistance

insulin-like growth factor

insulin resistance

insulin resistance syndrome

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Insulin resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin%20resistance. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
sweet smart pug puppy dog sitting in front of blackboard with chalk question marks
Commonly Confused Words Quiz Vol. 3 Do you have a (flare/flair) for choosing the righ...