Definition: Insulin Resistance

Insulin Resistance

Someone with type 2 diabetes still produces insulin, but the body just doesn't respond to insulin normally and the person's pancreas isn't able to make enough extra insulin to overcome this insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body doesn't respond as well to the insulin that the pancreas is making and glucose is less able to enter the cells. People with insulin resistance may or may not go on to develop type 2 diabetes.