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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mozaffarian said seed oils can help lower glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol, reduce triglycerides and increase levels of positive (HDL) cholesterol. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 July 2026 Mounjaro mimics two hormones that occur naturally in the body, which regulate blood sugar and appetite; the medication slows down gastric emptying and helps the pancreas release insulin as blood sugar rises. Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 It’s regulated in the same product category with drug dose calculators that take inputs like blood glucose levels and return insulin dosing recommendations. Mario Aguilar, STAT, 2 July 2026 This can damage insulin receptors and lead to insulin resistance. Md Published, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for insulin

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

Cite this Entry

“Insulin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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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