HealthJourney Glossary

Insulin Resistance

Definition: An insensitivity of the cells to the effects of insulin. Since one of the "jobs" of insulin is to "open the gates" so that the cells will take in glucose (either using it or converting it to storage), blood glucose will stay higher than is healthy unless the body releases more insulin, creating a condition called hyperinsulinemia ("too much insulin in the blood"). It is estimated that 20-30 percent of the US population is insulin resistant. Insulin resistance is closely related to obesity, and is considered to be a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.

Pronunciation: IN soo lin ree SIS tents

Also Known As: pre-diabetes, insulin insensitivity

Common Misspellings: insulyn resistence insolin

Related Terms: Insulin Resistance Syndrome

For More Information:

Improving Insulin Sensitivity (upcoming article)