insulin

noun

in·​su·​lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən How to pronounce insulin (audio)
: 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

Examples of insulin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Biden took credit for lowering prescription drugs, and capping the cost of insulin for seniors on Medicare to $35 a month. Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 The company initially announced its plans for a new wearable device that caters to people not taking insulin during an investor presentation last year. Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Medtronic’s revenue of $8.1 billion in Q3 was up 5% y-o-y, partly due to higher sales of its MiniMed 780G systems, which anticipates and automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Trefis Team, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The insulin injections help Trevor process blood sugar, which people with Type 1 diabetes cannot do on their own because their pancreases do not produce insulin. Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 28 Feb. 2024 People born with diabetes, type 1, or who develop the condition later in life, type 2, are unable to manage their insulin production naturally, and rely on blood glucose measurements for the dose and timing of their treatment. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2024 That color change was a sign that her body was likely creating extra insulin to keep her blood sugar at a normal level. TIME, 2 Feb. 2024 Newer, longer-acting insulins have since hit the market and even more insulin medications are being developed. Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024 But when insulin was invented 100 years ago, it was often made from animal pancreas. Peter Vanham, Fortune Europe, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insulin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin insula islet (of Langerhans), from Latin, island

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulin was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near insulin

Cite this Entry

“Insulin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insulin

noun
in·​su·​lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən How to pronounce insulin (audio)
: a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and is necessary for the normal use of glucose by the body

Medical Definition

insulin

noun
in·​su·​lin ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən How to pronounce insulin (audio)
: 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

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