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Insulin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insulin

[หˆษชnsulin ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biochemistry

Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood. It facilitates the uptake of glucose into tissues and helps control carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Synonyms

hormone, peptide.

Examples of usage

  • Patients with diabetes often need insulin injections.
  • Insulin resistance is a condition associated with obesity.
  • The discovery of insulin revolutionized diabetes treatment.
  • Insulin therapy can be crucial for managing blood sugar levels.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Insulin was discovered in 1921 by Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best, leading to a breakthrough in diabetes management.
  • Before insulin therapy, diabetes was often fatal, but the discovery saved countless lives.

Science

  • Insulin plays a key role in metabolism, helping cells absorb glucose and store it as fat when energy is not immediately needed.
  • The body releases insulin in response to high blood sugar levels, particularly after meals.

Health

  • People with diabetes may need to take insulin injections because their bodies either don't produce enough or cannot use it effectively.
  • Insulin therapy can come in various forms, such as rapid-acting and long-acting, to suit different needs.

Pop Culture

  • Many awareness campaigns, like the World Diabetes Day, focus on insulin education to improve public understanding of diabetes.
  • The role of insulin is often highlighted in movies and documentaries that deal with health issues, showcasing the daily challenges faced by those with diabetes.

Origin of 'insulin'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'insulin' comes from the Latin word 'insula,' meaning 'island,' because it is produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
  • It was first identified in the early 20th century, and the discovery revolutionized diabetes treatment.

The term 'insulin' comes from the Latin word 'insula', meaning 'island'. This refers to the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, where insulin is produced. The discovery of insulin was a significant medical breakthrough; it was first isolated in 1921 by Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best. Prior to this, diabetes was often a fatal disease, and the introduction of insulin provided a way to manage blood sugar levels effectively. This pivotal discovery transformed the treatment of diabetes, allowing individuals with the condition to live longer, healthier lives.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,328 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.