What does "insulin resistance" refer to?

Insulin resistance refers to the body's diminished response to insulin, which is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating glucose metabolism. When the body becomes insulin resistant, cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond effectively to insulin. As a result, glucose is not efficiently taken up from the bloodstream, leading to higher blood glucose levels. This condition is often associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

The other options do not accurately define insulin resistance. Increased insulin production might occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to insulin resistance but does not reflect the primary definition. Excessive glucose production by the liver may result from insulin resistance but is not synonymous with it. Finally, low insulin levels in the bloodstream can be seen in certain conditions, including advanced type 1 diabetes, but do not accurately describe the state of insulin resistance, where insulin levels can actually be high due to the body's attempt to compensate.