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

Increasing brown and beige fat in mice can actually decrease overall fat mass and increase how sensitive bodies are to insulin. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025

People with type 1 diabetes make little to no insulin because their bodies mistakenly attack cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. —Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025

However, another study found that L-citrulline did not improve insulin sensitivity and inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes after eight weeks.10 More research is needed to understand the role L-citrulline may play in treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 19 Mar. 2025

Records show jail staff gave him 10 units of insulin at the time but none after that. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 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