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
Their heart rates were higher, and their insulin function was impaired the following morning.
—
Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Courses include basic first aid, emergency-shelter logistics, and how to fly a drone to deliver a vial of insulin or assess and report damage to key infrastructure.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which allows the glucose to enter cells so that it can be used for energy.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
One study found that 143 mg/kg/day of MSG raised insulin levels.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insulin
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Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Courses include basic first aid, emergency-shelter logistics, and how to fly a drone to deliver a vial of insulin or assess and report damage to key infrastructure.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which allows the glucose to enter cells so that it can be used for energy.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
One study found that 143 mg/kg/day of MSG raised insulin levels.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insulin
Cite this Entry
“Insulin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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