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

Example Sentences

Products passing through the giant site range from insulin capsules and lifestyle drugs to medicated sunblock and drums of sulphuric acid.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

FDA-approved peptide drugs such as insulin and oxytocin have been available for decades.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Their results suggest that SLIT3 activity may influence fat tissue health, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity in people with obesity.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

CVS Health and Federal Trade Commission staff reached a proposed agreement to resolve insulin pricing litigation.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

He had been forged, by that deluded old teacher, into a sort of Pasteur or Curie or patient discoverer of insulin.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White