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

This, in turn, accelerated the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques and the development of fatty livers and insulin dysregulation.

From Science Daily

Although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, scientists think that some of the hallmarks of diabetes -- such as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammation -- may encourage the development of dementia in the brain.

From Science Daily

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

It led to the development of insulin pens, which soon replaced syringes as the way to take the drug for millions of people.

From BBC