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

Healthcare experts estimate that in the 103 years insulin has been available to treat diabetes, the medication has saved tens of millions of lives. —Eva Rothenberg, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024

The study found that a generic vial of insulin could cost between $61 to $111 — as much as 97% less than the current U.S. market price — and still hold onto a 10% to 50% profit margin. —Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 1 Apr. 2024

Novo and other drugmakers slashed US prices for some forms of insulin by as much as 75% last year under pressure from the Biden administration. —Madison Muller, Fortune Europe, 28 Mar. 2024

Instead of paying $400 a month or thereabouts for insulin—which only costs ten bucks to make—[people] with diabetes only pay $35 a month now and [companies] still make a healthy profit. —Anisa Arsenault, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2024

In contrast, Type 2 diabetes is a condition where a person’s cells become insulin resistant and their pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to compensate. —Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024

Apple cider vinegar could also interact with other medicines, such as insulin, diuretics, and laxatives, Mitri said. —Sarah Garone, Health, 29 Mar. 2024

Instead of paying $400 a month for insulin seniors with diabetes only have to pay $35 a month! —USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024

The classic example of this is insulin, which has been available without a prescription for decades, but is only stocked behind the pharmacy counter. —Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

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