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

But that has never been cited as a reason for a community provider turning him away, and his dependence on insulin seems to be his only barrier, according to Equip for Equality. —Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

And after the Inflation Reduction Act went into effect, the largest insulin manufacturers voluntarily announced programs that brought the price down to $35 or less for most patients. —Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025

High circulating levels of both insulin and glucose can lead to heart and kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and damage the memory center of the brain. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025

Patients with Type 2 diabetes who don’t take insulin have potential access to the Libre Rio system, while consumers trying to improve general health and wellness can be offered Lingo. —Alexandra Ferreyros, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025

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