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

For one, the diet brings blood sugar and insulin sensitivity under control, both of which are linked with mental health problems. —Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024

About half of all states regulate the cost of insulin, but New York is the first to eliminate co-pays. —Benjamin Oreskes, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024

Curcumin may also aid in the regulation of some of the hormones that amp up metabolism while also improving insulin sensitivity to help stave off diabetes. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024

Fiber also improves insulin sensitivity (the body's ability to respond to insulin) and reduces the risk of insulin resistance. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 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