In short
Insulin is the best-known peptide hormone, discovered and first used as a treatment in Toronto in 1921–22. It is an essential, authorized prescription drug, not a wellness product.
Also known asthe original peptide drug
CategoryWeight loss & GLP-1
Canada statusAuthorized in Canada (prescription)
Human evidence Strong: large randomized human trials
Last reviewedNovember 10, 2026
How strong is the human evidence?
- Cell & animal
- Small human studies
- Some randomized trials
- Large randomized trials
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a peptide hormone made by the pancreas that lowers blood sugar. Health Canada lists it as one of the most widely prescribed authorized peptide drugs.
Its discovery and first clinical use happened in Toronto in 1921–1922.
Is Insulin legal in Canada?
Authorized drug. Health Canada names insulin among widely prescribed authorized peptide drugs.
What the research shows
- Insulin is essential therapy for type 1 diabetes and used by many people with type 2 diabetes.
What it doesn't show
- It is not a fat-loss or bodybuilding aid.
Common questions
Is insulin a peptide?
Yes. Insulin is a peptide hormone.
Why is insulin on a peptide site?
Because it shows what an authorized, well-studied peptide drug looks like, compared with unauthorized "research peptides".
Sources
- Health Canada — Peptides: Overview
- Rostène W. La découverte de l’insuline 1921–1922. Biol Aujourdhui 2022
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