insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, requiring medical supplementation.
Examples
3 of 5He always carries his insulin pen in his bag whenever we go out for a meal.
He always carries his insulin pen in his bag whenever we go out for a meal.
The physician prescribed a new regimen of long-acting insulin to better manage the patient's glucose levels.
The physician prescribed a new regimen of long-acting insulin to better manage the patient's glucose levels.
I need to take my insulin before we start eating this massive dessert.
I need to take my insulin before we start eating this massive dessert.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'IN-sulin'. It helps put sugar 'IN'to the cells so it's not stuck in the blood.
Quick Quiz
Because her body does not produce enough _______, she must monitor her blood sugar levels several times a day.
Correct!
The correct answer is: insulin
Examples
He always carries his insulin pen in his bag whenever we go out for a meal.
everydayHe always carries his insulin pen in his bag whenever we go out for a meal.
The physician prescribed a new regimen of long-acting insulin to better manage the patient's glucose levels.
formalThe physician prescribed a new regimen of long-acting insulin to better manage the patient's glucose levels.
I need to take my insulin before we start eating this massive dessert.
informalI need to take my insulin before we start eating this massive dessert.
Clinical trials are currently investigating the efficacy of inhaled insulin as an alternative to traditional subcutaneous injections.
academicClinical trials are currently investigating the efficacy of inhaled insulin as an alternative to traditional subcutaneous injections.
The company's quarterly growth was driven largely by the expanded distribution of its proprietary insulin delivery systems.
businessThe company's quarterly growth was driven largely by the expanded distribution of its proprietary insulin delivery systems.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
insulin-dependent
requiring insulin injections to survive
insulin shock
a state of severe hypoglycemia caused by an overdose of insulin
spike in insulin
a rapid increase in the amount of insulin in the blood
Often Confused With
Insulin lowers blood sugar levels, while glucagon raises them.
Insulin is a hormone for blood sugar; penicillin is an antibiotic for bacterial infections.
Usage Notes
The word is almost exclusively used in medical, health, or nutritional contexts. It can be used as an uncountable noun (medical insulin) or a countable noun when referring to specific types (various insulins).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 'insulin' (the hormone) with 'diabetes' (the disease). They might say 'he has insulin' when they mean 'he has diabetes and needs insulin'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'IN-sulin'. It helps put sugar 'IN'to the cells so it's not stuck in the blood.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'insula' (island), because the hormone is produced in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the United States, the high cost of insulin is a frequent topic of political debate regarding healthcare affordability.
Quick Quiz
Because her body does not produce enough _______, she must monitor her blood sugar levels several times a day.
Correct!
The correct answer is: insulin
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