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

Martinez, his cellmate, said Ramos had been receiving daily insulin shots and other medicine to treat his diabetes and high blood pressure. —Rob Kuznia, CNN Money, 15 May 2026

These tests, done through extensive bloodwork, measure everything from testosterone and environmental toxins to cortisol and insulin—almost 180 biomarkers get checked. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 14 May 2026

Basic, life-saving medications like insulin and routine treatments must remain affordable for all Americans. —Rachel Royster may 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

The exact cause of PMOS is unknown, but people with the condition have higher levels of androgens, such as testosterone, and insulin. —Liz Neporent, ABC News, 12 May 2026

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