Resumo. ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to evaluate the acute resistance exercise on glucose metabolism in animals with insulin resistance. 30 Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (CON), Dexamethasone Sedentary (DS) and dexamethasone + exercise (DE). Resistance exercise was conducted in the squat machine consisting of five sets, 10 repetitions, with intensity of 70% of 1RM. Concurrently, the DS and DE groups received daily intraperitoneal dexamethasone (4.0mg / kg). The body weight, glycemia and insulin sensitivity test were measured in all groups. One single resistance exercise session reduced blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity. The DT group showed a lower area under the curve when compared to the DS group. The high intensity acute resistance exercise promoted a reduction of blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in rats with insulin resistance dexamethasone- induced.