insulin

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noun in·su·lin \ ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən \

Definition of insulin

: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

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Recent Examples of insulin from the Web

The subjects’ glycemic control and insulin use were then tracked for another six months.

— melissa healy, The Seattle Times, "Study finds immunotherapy may prevent Type 1 diabetes," 9 Aug. 2017
Deposits of the protein may eventually kill many of the β cells in the pancreas that manufacture the hormone insulin.

— mitch leslie, Science | AAAS, "Could diabetes spread like mad cow disease?," 1 Aug. 2017
The researchers noted that during the study period, there was a general increase in prescriptions for cardiovascular drugs, insulin and opioids, which may have contributed to the rise in medication errors involving these drugs.

— rachel rettner, Washington Post, "A growing number of people make mistakes when they take their medication," 16 July 2017
In turn, there is an exaggerated insulin response which causes all sorts of problems, including adding body fat.

— bryant stamford, The Courier-Journal, "If you see 'whole wheat,' it's definitely healthy, right? Sorry, maybe not," 6 July 2017
The diseases also share some of the same underlying characteristics, such as excess weight and resistance to insulin.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Asthma drug shows potential benefit for Type 2 diabetics," 5 July 2017
The world's most common form of diabetes, Type II arises when the body can no longer properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.

— jonathan m. pitts, baltimoresun.com, "Like it or not, broccoli is good for you, research says," 30 June 2017
Several guests were transported by EMS to hospitals for treatment of potentially life-threatening situations, such as pneumonia and insulin shock.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Hope for the Homeless fashion show raises $1,000 for shelter," 29 June 2017
Weight loss—and control—with PCOS is nearly impossible due to hormone imbalances and insulin resistance.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "The PCOS Treatment Doctors Don't Tell You About," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insulin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of insulin

New Latin insula islet (of Langerhans), from Latin, island

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First Known Use: 1914

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INSULIN Defined for English Language Learners

insulin

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noun

Definition of insulin for English Language Learners

medical : a substance that your body makes and uses to turn sugar into energy

INSULIN Defined for Kids

insulin

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noun in·su·lin \ ˈin-sə-lən \

Definition of insulin for Students

:a hormone made by the pancreas that helps the cells in the body take up glucose from the blood and that is used to treat diabetes

Medical Dictionary

insulin

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noun in·su·lin \ ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən \

medical Definition of insulin

: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

Learn More about insulin

Spanish Central: Translation of insulin Nglish: Translation of insulin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of insulin for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insulin

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Definition of insulin

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INSULIN Defined for English Language Learners

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insulin

Definition of insulin for Students

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insulin

medical Definition of insulin

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