What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance refers to the body's reduced ability to respond to the hormone insulin, which is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. When insulin resistance occurs, the cells, particularly in muscles and fat tissues, do not respond effectively to insulin's signals to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This results in elevated levels of glucose in the blood, as the normal process of glucose uptake by cells is compromised. Over time, this condition can lead to higher insulin production as the pancreas attempts to compensate for the insulin resistance, potentially culminating in conditions like type 2 diabetes.

The other options do not accurately define insulin resistance. For instance, excess production of insulin may occur as a result of insulin resistance, but it's not a defining feature of the condition itself. Low blood sugar levels are generally not associated with insulin resistance; instead, high blood sugar levels are more characteristic. Lastly, an increase in insulin sensitivity would actually contradict the definition of insulin resistance, as insulin sensitivity refers to the body's effective response to insulin.