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

/ 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.

insulin

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

Notes

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

Two scientists studying metabolism accidentally discovered that removing a dog’s pancreas caused diabetes—paving the way for the discovery of insulin.

From Slate

By some measures, Biden had achieved a lot in his term — passing a $1-trillion bipartisan measure to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, bolstering the critical microchip industry with another law, forgiving debt on some student loans, capping insulin prices for senior citizens and increasing subsidies for insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

From Los Angeles Times

On healthcare, Salas supports the Affordable Care Act and has criticized Valadao for voting against the Inflation Reduction Act that included a monthly cap of $35 for insulin for Medicare enrollees.

From Los Angeles Times

Valadao, who supports a market-based approach to healthcare reform, said he supports lower costs for medicine but referred to the $35 limit for insulin as an “arbitrary cap.”

From Los Angeles Times

These naturally occurring hormones play crucial roles in regulating insulin, appetite and metabolism.

From Los Angeles Times