insulin

Everyday

1. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use sugar from food for energy. tree →
2. Insulin is also a medicine that people with diabetes take to control the sugar in their blood. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, insulin is an example of a hormone; when the body does not make enough insulin, or does not use it well, a person has diabetes. Some pupils with diabetes check their blood sugar and take insulin by injection or pump at school; classmates should be kind and tell an adult if they seem unwell. Phrases: take insulin, insulin injection, insulin pump.

Examples

• Insulin helps your body use sugar for energy. tree →
• People with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day. tree →
• Mia wears an insulin pump at school. tree →
• The nurse showed us how an insulin pen works. tree →
• The pancreas makes insulin. tree →
• If someone with diabetes feels faint, tell an adult straight away. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Do not confuse with «insulation» (material that keeps heat in). Diabetes is not catching and is not caused simply by eating sweets.