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

Changing the body from a glucose-burning to a fat-burning state alters metabolism, reducing blood sugar and insulin levels and altering brain chemistry and function. —New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025

However, when the body becomes resistant to insulin, diabetes develops. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025

Research shows that the beta-glucan fiber in oatmeal can reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.78 Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate glucose (sugar). —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025

In September, the FTC accused Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRX of inflating the price of insulin, impairing patient access and raising costs for vulnerable Americans who need the drug every day to stay alive. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 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