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
Examples of insulin in a Sentence
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The hormone insulin is a peptide that moves sugar from the bloodstream into cells; GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, spurs the pancreas to release insulin and slows the passage of food through the gut.
—
Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
This gel slows digestion, keeps you fuller for longer, and prevents significant glucose and insulin variability that often triggers a return to hunger.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
Flavia Brakling, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, said expanding affordable access to medicine is a priority and noted the company hasn't raised list prices for its insulin products for 2026.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
In Season 2, Episode 7, Mohan treats an uninsured construction worker who developed diabetic ketoacidosis after rationing insulin due to high costs.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
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Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
This gel slows digestion, keeps you fuller for longer, and prevents significant glucose and insulin variability that often triggers a return to hunger.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
Flavia Brakling, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, said expanding affordable access to medicine is a priority and noted the company hasn't raised list prices for its insulin products for 2026.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
In Season 2, Episode 7, Mohan treats an uninsured construction worker who developed diabetic ketoacidosis after rationing insulin due to high costs.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insulin
Cite this Entry
“Insulin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insulin
noun
in·su·lin
ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən
: 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
: 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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