insulin
das Insulin
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insulin
A hormone produced in the pancreas that plays a central role in regulating blood sugar levels. A lack of insulin or resistance to it leads to diabetes.
Nach einer Mahlzeit steigt die Produktion von Insulin im Körper an.
After a meal, the body's production of insulin increases.
insulin
A medication that contains the active substance insulin and is used to treat diabetes mellitus. It is usually injected in order to lower blood sugar.
Als Diabetikerin muss sie sich mehrmals täglich Insulin spritzen.
As a diabetic, she has to inject herself with insulin several times a day.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Insulins |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Insulin | – |
| accusative | das Insulin | – |
| dative | dem Insulin | – |
| genitive | des Insulins | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
You distinguish the hormone from the medication by the verbs. The body 'produziert' (produces) or 'schüttet aus' (secretes) the hormone. A patient 'spritzt sich' (injects themselves with) or 'benötigt' (needs) the medication.
Die Bauchspeicheldrüse produziert Insulin.
The pancreas produces insulin.
When talking about the hormone, people often speak of the 'Insulinspiegel' (insulin level, the amount in the blood) or of 'Insulinresistenz' (insulin resistance, when the body no longer responds well to it).
Sport kann helfen, den Insulinspiegel zu senken.
Exercise can help lower insulin levels.
In connection with the medication, the most important verbs are 'sich spritzen' (to inject oneself), 'benötigen' (to need), and 'verabreichen' (to administer). The reflexive form 'sich etwas spritzen' (to inject oneself with something) is very common here.
Die Krankenschwester verabreichte dem Patienten eine Dosis Insulin.
The nurse administered a dose of insulin to the patient.
