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Medical Dictionary

insulin

Pronunciation (in′sŭ-lin)
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  1. A polypeptide hormone, secreted by β cells in the islets of Langerhans, which promotes glucose use, protein synthesis, and the formation and storage of neutral lipids; available in various preparations including genetically engineered human insulin, which is currently favored. Insulin is used parenterally in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

[L. insula, island, + -in]

WebMD Medical Reference from "Stedman's Medical Dictionary"

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