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

These naturally occurring hormones play crucial roles in regulating insulin, appetite and metabolism. —Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

Over time, this can put a strain on your pancreas (where insulin is made), leading to less insulin production and the development of type 2 diabetes. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

Previous research has already indicated that high levels of sugar from a mother's diet, in the womb and through breastmilk, are associated with an elevated risk of problems with insulin and sugar later in life: key risk factors for diabetes and high blood pressure. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Clinton's speech was wide-ranging, from job growth and infrastructure funding under President Joe Biden, to gas and insulin prices, to mentions of former U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthy, who represented Wisconsin from 1947-57, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series win Wednesday. —Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 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