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

Advertisement Unlike Type 1 diabetes, in which the body makes little to no insulin and the immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that make insulin, Type 2 diabetes is more common and more likely to result from lifestyle choices revolving around diet and exercise. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024

By prompting release of insulin and interacting with GLP-1 receptors in the brain and elsewhere in the body, Ozempic affects an individual's appetite. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2024

These changes can increase inflammation and impact the gut’s ability to metabolize nutrients and produce metabolites, which in turn affects the body’s sensitivity to insulin and its ability to metabolize glucose. —Kayla Hui, Verywell Health, 16 May 2024

Lilly today reported that its experimental weekly insulin, efsitora alfa, worked as well as daily insulin products in two late-stage studies. —Elaine Chen, STAT, 16 May 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