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

Though more research is needed, inositol’s ability to control insulin sensitivity may help manage conditions related to metabolic syndrome. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025

Apples Apples are an excellent choice of nutritious evening snack, as the fiber helps to keep blood sugar stable, preventing insulin spikes. —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

An artificial pancreas is a system that uses a computer to deliver insulin based on real-time blood sugar readings. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025

After 20 years, the Inflation Reduction Act ended Medicare's most egregious overpayments and brought down the cost of insulin. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 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