insulin

noun

in·​su·​lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən 

: a protein pancreatic hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans that is essential especially for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of glucose levels in the blood and that when insufficiently produced results in diabetes mellitus

Examples of insulin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Minimize your risk by improving insulin sensitivity through regular, challenging strength training. —Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

On healthcare, Salas supports the Affordable Care Act and has criticized Valadao for voting against the Inflation Reduction Act that included a monthly cap of $35 for insulin for Medicare enrollees. —Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024

The higher your insulin sensitivity, the more efficiently your cells will absorb glucose from your blood — helping to control blood sugar. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

Studies have also shown concerns around insulin sensitivity and diabetes, obesity and fertility, Bloom said. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin insula islet (of Langerhans), from Latin, island

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing insulin

• insulin-dependent diabetes
• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• insulin-like growth factor
• insulin resistance
• insulin resistance syndrome
• insulin shock
• non-insulin-dependent diabetes
• non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Kids Definition

insulin

noun

in·​su·​lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən 

: a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and is necessary for the normal use of glucose by the body

Medical Definition

insulin

noun

in·​su·​lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən 

: a protein hormone that is synthesized in the pancreas from proinsulin and secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans, that is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into tissues, by promoting its conversion into glycogen, fatty acids, and triglycerides, and by reducing the release of glucose from the liver, and that when produced in insufficient quantities results in diabetes mellitus see iletin