insulin

[in-suh-lin, ins-yuh-]

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.

insulin

/ 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

insulin

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.

insulin

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of insulin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of insulin¹

C20: from New Latin insula islet (of the pancreas) + _-in

Example Sentences

Conducted in mice, the research points to new possibilities for using brown fat to address metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance and obesity.

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“As I get older, I want to make sure I’m around for my kids. But my insulin isn’t cheap, so thankfully, I have affordable healthcare right now, but I will be affected by these changes.”

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But in 1978 the first synthetic human insulin was produced using E. coli, a huge breakthrough.

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On the upside, he says, multiple trials and analyses suggest it can promote weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure and enhance lipid profiles, with some evidence of anti-inflammatory benefits.

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"I've been taking if for a year, come off insulin and lost 3.5 stones but have just got one week's injections left."

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