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

During the transition into menopause, a decline in estradiol (a type of estrogen) can impair insulin function, leading to high blood sugar levels and increased belly fat.45 Consuming too much sugar can also negatively affect blood glucose regulation and insulin function. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 27 Dec. 2024

Some have also emphasized their efforts to reduce out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

The Federal Trade Commission launched a suit in September, accusing Caremark, Optum and Express Scripts of artificially increasing their profit by unfairly limiting access to cheaper insulin drugs and steering patients toward more expensive options. —Sriparna Roy and Amina Niasse, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

Khan has also been a thorn in the side of PBMs that have come under scrutiny for reportedly helping to keep certain prescription drug prices high, including those of insulin products. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 16 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