insulin

American  

[in-suh-lin, ins-yuh-] / ˈɪn sə lɪn, ˈɪns yə- /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a polypeptide hormone, produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas, that regulates the metabolism of glucose and other nutrients.

2. Pharmacology. any of several commercial preparations of this substance, each of which allows a particular rate of absorption into the system: genetically engineered or obtained from the pig or ox pancreas, and used in the treatment of diabetes to restore the normal ability of the body to utilize sugars and other carbohydrates.

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insulin British  

/ ˈɪnsjʊlɪn /

noun

1. a protein hormone, secreted in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, that controls the concentration of glucose in the blood. Insulin deficiency results in diabetes mellitus

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insulin Scientific  

/ ĭn′sə-lĭn /

1. A hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood by stimulating cells, especially liver and muscle cells, to absorb and metabolize glucose. Insulin also stimulates the conversion of blood glucose into glycogen and fat, which are the body's chief sources of stored carbohydrates.

2. A drug containing this hormone, obtained from the pancreas of animals or produced synthetically and used to treat diabetes.

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insulin Cultural  

1. A hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates the levels of sugar in the blood.

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Discover More

Persons suffering from diabetes mellitus may receive periodic or daily injections of insulin as a treatment for the disease.

Etymology

Origin of insulin

First recorded in 1910–15; insul(a) + -in ²

Explanation

Insulin is a hormone in your body that lowers the amount of glucose in your blood. People with diabetes sometimes need an insulin supplement to help regulate their blood sugar. Your pancreas creates insulin, which allows your body to convert sugars from food into energy. You need insulin in order for that bowl of spaghetti to help fuel the 10K you're running later. Diabetes makes it hard (or impossible) for the body to generate insulin, and access to prescription insulin is essential for a diabetic person to stay alive. The Latin root of insulin means "island," referring to the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, which secrete the hormone.

Example Sentences

In 2019, a self-described "caravan" of Americans bused to Canada to purchase cheaper insulin for type 1 diabetes - and to protest the costs in the US for the life-saving medication.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Type 2 diabetes is marked by high blood sugar that occurs when insulin, the hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells, does not work effectively.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

PCOS/PMOS is also associated with high insulin levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in later life, the NHS said.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

When inflammatory signals remain elevated, they can interfere with insulin signaling and make it harder for cells to respond to the hormone.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

Some of the town’s doctors, including the Shoun brothers, had been giving her injections of what was supposed to be insulin, but instead of improving, Mollie seemed to be getting worse.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann