insulin
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
noun
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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.
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A drug containing this hormone, obtained from the pancreas of animals or produced synthetically and used to treat diabetes.
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Persons suffering from diabetes mellitus may receive periodic or daily injections of insulin as a treatment for the disease.
Etymology
Origin of insulin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the long term, scientists may be able to design cells that allow people with diabetes to increase insulin production simply by drinking a cup of coffee.
From Science Daily
One possibility involves insulin resistance, a condition linked to many age related diseases.
From Science Daily
Without this process, the body can convert histidine into a compound believed to promote insulin resistance, a hallmark of diabetes mellitus.
From Science Daily
Some evidence suggests that replacing refined carbohydrates with pecans may improve insulin response or help moderate after meal blood sugar levels.
From Science Daily
When given glucose, their pancreas responded more effectively, suggesting improved insulin release and steadier blood sugar levels.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
