insulin

noun in·su·lin \ ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən \

|Updated on: 1 Aug 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

Other studies have suggested that substances in coffee may reduce inflammation and improve how the body uses insulin, which can reduce chances for developing diabetes.

— lindsey tanner, courant.com, "Fresh grounds for coffee: Study shows it may boost longevity," 3 July 2018
Other studies have suggested that substances in coffee may reduce inflammation and improve how the body uses insulin, which can reduce chances for developing diabetes.

— lindsey tanner, BostonGlobe.com, "Drinking up to 8 cups of coffee a day might help you live longer, new study says," 3 July 2018
Other studies have suggested that substances in coffee may reduce inflammation and improve how the body uses insulin, which can reduce chances for developing diabetes.

— lindsey tanner, The Seattle Times, "Fresh grounds for coffee: Study shows it may boost longevity," 2 July 2018
Other studies have suggested that substances in coffee may reduce inflammation and improve how the body uses insulin, which can reduce chances for developing diabetes.

— CBS News, "Coffee may boost chances for a longer life, study shows," 2 July 2018
For decades, Americans living with diabetes have been relying on injections of insulin to manage their illness.

— justin chen, STAT, "With new advances, scientists and drug makers reach for ‘holy grail’ of diabetes treatment," 25 June 2018
This hormone triggers the production of insulin that in turn lowers blood sugar levels.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Scientists use caffeine to control genes—and treat diabetic mice with coffee," 20 June 2018
After the reset, Wolf advises a seven-day carbohydrate test, which uses a glucometer to examine your body’s insulin response, primarily to various types of carbohydrates.

— nick heil, Outside Online, "Blame Your Junk Food Cravings on Your Unhealthy Brain," 3 July 2018
Changes in cortisol can affect the body’s insulin levels and its ability to break down sugar.

— alice park, Time, "Working Long Hours Can Raise the Risk of This Disease," 2 July 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