insulin

noun in·su·lin \ ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

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

Among the medicines that could be affected are insulin, epinephrine, heparin, antibiotics, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and vaccines, according to the list released by the U.S. trade representative.

— ed silverman, STAT, "Will the Trump tariffs on China raise drug prices for Americans?," 4 Apr. 2018
According to the company biography, Gilbert started a non-profit research institute and his company created a microburst insulin infusion pump for diabetes treatment.

— william thornton, AL.com, "Who is G. Ford Gilbert? California health exec arrested on bribery charges," 2 Apr. 2018
More insulin in the blood causes a rise in blood sugar, which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes.

— brian maher, Philly.com, "5 reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with weight loss," 2 Apr. 2018
The insulin dose is delivered with a jab into the skin, not a vein.

— josh kovner, courant.com, "Large Child Care Company Settles With U.S. Over Policy Of Excluding Kids With Diabetes," 29 Mar. 2018
Bell has health issues and was recently diagnosed with diabetes and requires regular insulin injections, according to her cousin, La Donna Iverson.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Family seeks help locating missing Richton Park woman," 23 Mar. 2018
Zebrafish were then injected with the insulin-resistant mutation.

— National Geographic, "Blind Cave Fish May Hold Secret to Treating Diabetes," 22 Mar. 2018
Fontana's own work with Calerie trial data suggests changes to specific insulin pathways matter more than overall metabolism decrease.

— megan molteni, WIRED, "Will Cutting Calories Make You Live Longer?," 22 Mar. 2018
Nevada was first among states to pass an insulin drug pricing transparency bill.

— sujata srinivasan, courant.com, "Rising Rx Prices Forcing Critical Choices; States May Be Last Hope For Consumers," 21 Mar. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1914

in the meaning defined above

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INSULIN Defined for English Language Learners

insulin

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

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

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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insulin

Definition of insulin

Recent Examples of insulin from the Web

Origin and Etymology of insulin

INSULIN Defined for English Language Learners

insulin

Definition of insulin for English Language Learners

INSULIN Defined for Kids

insulin

Definition of insulin for Students

Medical Dictionary

insulin

medical Definition of insulin

Learn More about insulin

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insulin

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