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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
Magnesium supplementation may also improve insulin resistance in diabetics—especially those who aren't getting enough magnesium from food.
—Casey Seiden, Verywell Health, 3 May 2024
Symptoms of low magnesium levels are muscle spasms and tightness, tremors, constipation, sleep issues, insulin resistance, low vitamin D levels, headaches and fatigue.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
This can confuse the body and worse, frequent elevation of insulin in the blood from too many soft drinks and/or too many diet drinks can promote insulin resistance that contributes to Type 2 diabetes (an extreme form of insulin resistance).
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 18 Jan. 2024
Another possibility is that both sugars and artificial sweeteners can disrupt the healthy balance of gut bacteria in the GI tract, which may lead to the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, says Prest.
—Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
Abdominal or central obesity (having a large waist circumference) along with insulin resistance are considered the two most important risk factors.6
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Causes of a High Waist Circumference
A larger waist circumference is often caused by intra-abdominal visceral fat.
—Elizabeth Woolley, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2024
Research has found that cirrhosis is commonly associated with insulin resistance, which can raise blood sugar.
—Barbie Cervoni, Health, 2 Apr. 2024
While sugar certainly has a place in our diet, drinking chai tea with loads of sugar can present issues for those with weight loss goals or insulin resistance.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024
Because insulin resistance is a precursor to both, researchers estimate the number of people with insulin resistance is much higher.
—Knvul Sheikh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insulin resistance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Cite this Entry
“Insulin resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin%20resistance. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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
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