insulin

American  

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

noun

• insulins
  plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• insulins
  plural

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

See Examples For:

insulin insulins

Peptides reproduced in a lab are the active ingredients in many common medications including insulin and GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026

A systematic review of controlled trials involving 639 participants from 15 studies found that regular orange juice consumption lowered insulin resistance and blood cholesterol levels.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 13, 2026

Now she injects insulin twice a day, monitors what she eats, and despite missing the spontaneity of her old life, is learning to adapt to her new one.

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026

Some peptides, such as insulin, human growth hormone and glucagon-like peptide-1, have delivered transformational therapeutic effects when administered to humans.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

She put the dozen or so bottles of insulin that Rahel brought her in the cheese and butter compartment.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

Patients will pay more for California’s generic than for similar insulins already on the market.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2025

The site also offers a directory for in-person care and help with insulins and migraine treatments.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 4, 2024

Civica said it would be manufacturing the three insulins most commonly used by U.S. citizens.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2023

Novo Nordisk said its price cuts would also apply to NovoLog injection pens, long-acting Levemir, intermediate-acting Novolin and several generic insulins.

From New York Times ● Mar. 14, 2023

Drugmakers also may face competition from companies like the nonprofit Civica, which plans to produce three insulins at a recommended price of no more than $30 a vial, a spokeswoman said.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 1, 2023