insulin

noun

in·​su·​lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən How to pronounce insulin (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the overall evidence doesn’t consistently show changes in blood sugar or insulin. Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 12 Dec. 2025 Although larger studies are needed on the topic, magnesium supplementation may reduce insulin resistance, which is when your cells don't respond well to the hormone insulin and so glucose (sugar) is not taken out of your blood as well. Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 11 Dec. 2025 Adding to the growing body of research that proves our microbiome is a powerful ally in fighting disease, scientists have found that an easy-to-get nutrient in our food causes our guts to produce powerful insulin-regulating compounds. New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2025 Greater muscle mass is associated with better insulin sensitivity and lower diabetes risk, independent of body fat, according to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insulin

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulin was in 1914

Cite this Entry

“Insulin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

insulin

noun
in·​su·​lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən How to pronounce insulin (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce insulin (audio)
: 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

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