Definition

A hormone made by the pancreas that helps control blood sugar levels by allowing cells to use glucose for energy.

Example

People with diabetes often need to take insulin to manage their blood sugar levels.

Conversation

I heard that people with diabetes need to take insulin regularly.

Yeah, it's important for managing their blood sugar levels.

It's amazing how much insulin helps them live a normal life.

Definitely! Without it, they would really struggle.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insulin originates from the Latin word 'insula' (meaning island) with the suffix '-in' used in chemistry to denote substances. The term was coined because the hormone is produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, which are small clusters of cells, resembling islands. Thus, insulin refers to the substance derived from these 'islands' in the pancreas.

Memory Tip

Think of 'insula' meaning island, and remember that insulin is a substance produced in small 'island-like' clusters in the pancreas.

Visually Confused Words