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

Traditional biomanufacturing relies on genetically modifying living cells to produce medicines like insulin. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026

The recalled insulin pods have lot numbers beginning with PH1U, followed by an 8-digit number. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Type 1 diabetes is an unpreventable condition where the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, so insulin shots or pumps are necessary to make up the difference. —Elizabeth McClure, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026

Eating turmeric or curry regularly may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar over time. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 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