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

Found in the burn barrel were remnants of Gross' glasses, clothing, magazines, and a vial of her dog's insulin. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Universities have produced lifesaving discoveries and innovations that have forever changed modern life, such as GPS, X-ray technology, synthetic insulin and the foundation of artificial intelligence. — Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Synthesized peptides are found in injectable insulin and the GLP-1 medications used for weight loss and blood-glucose control. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

The mother of four struggled with obesity and had to take insulin pills and shots daily. — Andrew Jones, NPR, 30 July 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