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

And because a big meal produces a huge spike in insulin, your body responds to the sugar and efficiently stores more body fat. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2024

Further research led to the pivotal semaglutide discovery, a derivative of exendin-4 but one that remained in the body for longer, for better insulin regulation. —New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024

Carr-Gomm, a mother and grandmother, had long sought alternative treatments in an attempt to avoid insulin injections. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

But muscle contractions through walking can also accomplish this — even without the presence of insulin. —Maria Godoy, NPR, 27 Nov. 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