insulin
noun
in·su·lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən 
: a protein pancreatic hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans that is essential especially for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of glucose levels in the blood and that when insufficiently produced results in diabetes mellitus
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Johnstone said that people are more insulin-sensitive in the morning, so an early meal might help regulate blood sugar levels. 
Aria Bendix, NBC News, 10 Sep. 2022 There is a clear reason: One band member is insulin resistant, so added sugar is a no go. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Sep. 2022 When blood sugar levels start to rise after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin, according to the Mayo Clinic, which then helps lower blood sugar levels. Zoe Witt, Glamour, 9 Sep. 2022 The meta-analysis, published in February, analyzed seven studies comparing the impact of sitting, standing and walking on the body's insulin and blood sugar levels. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 2 Sep. 2022 If the White House and Congress want to adopt more reforms along these lines, another great place would be allowing diabetic patients to purchase insulin without a prescription. Paul Hsieh, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 Almost 16 million American seniors have diabetes and are likely to need insulin at some point in their lives. Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2022 In addition, Medicare beneficiaries’ copays for insulin starting next year would be limited to $35 a month. Joseph Walker, WSJ, 14 Aug. 2022 Yet aside from possibly insulin, drug costs are generally a much bigger deal for seniors than younger Americans. Peter Weber, The Week, 12 Aug. 2022 See More
Aria Bendix, NBC News, 10 Sep. 2022 There is a clear reason: One band member is insulin resistant, so added sugar is a no go. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Sep. 2022 When blood sugar levels start to rise after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin, according to the Mayo Clinic, which then helps lower blood sugar levels. Zoe Witt, Glamour, 9 Sep. 2022 The meta-analysis, published in February, analyzed seven studies comparing the impact of sitting, standing and walking on the body's insulin and blood sugar levels. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 2 Sep. 2022 If the White House and Congress want to adopt more reforms along these lines, another great place would be allowing diabetic patients to purchase insulin without a prescription. Paul Hsieh, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 Almost 16 million American seniors have diabetes and are likely to need insulin at some point in their lives. Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2022 In addition, Medicare beneficiaries’ copays for insulin starting next year would be limited to $35 a month. Joseph Walker, WSJ, 14 Aug. 2022 Yet aside from possibly insulin, drug costs are generally a much bigger deal for seniors than younger Americans. Peter Weber, The Week, 12 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin insula islet (of Langerhans), from Latin, island
First Known Use
1914, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing insulin
Kids Definition
insulin
noun
in·su·lin ˈin-sə-lən
: a hormone made by the pancreas that helps the cells in the body take up glucose from the blood and that is used to treat diabetes
Medical Definition
insulin
noun
in·su·lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən
: a protein hormone that is synthesized in the pancreas from proinsulin and secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans, that is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into tissues, by promoting its conversion into glycogen, fatty acids, and triglycerides, and by reducing the release of glucose from the liver, and that when produced in insufficient quantities results in diabetes mellitus see iletin