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

Oral insulin could one day replace injections for people with diabetes, new scientific discoveries suggest. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026

The metabolic health conversation has expanded significantly with growing interest in continuous glucose monitors and insulin sensitivity, yet the fatigue side of PCOS still doesn’t get proportional attention. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026

Eli Lilly – continuing a nearly century-long duel with Novo Nordisk that began with insulin and is escalating with GLP-1s – anticipates FDA approval of its own pill, called orforglipron, before the end of June. —Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

Glytec, a software firm focused on insulin management technologies, will leave its corporate home in Boston, adding 500 jobs in metro Atlanta over the next few years, according to a news release. —Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 18 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