What hormone is responsible for controlling blood sugar levels?

Insulin is the hormone primarily responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. It is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. When you consume food, particularly carbohydrates, blood sugar levels rise. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, allowing them to use it for energy or store it for future use. This action helps to lower blood sugar levels to a normal range, preventing hyperglycemia.

Understanding the function of insulin is essential in the context of diabetes management, where insulin production or effectiveness is impaired, leading to chronic issues with blood sugar regulation. This knowledge is fundamental in both nutrition and food preparation as it underscores the importance of choosing foods that help maintain stable blood glucose levels.

Cortisol and adrenaline, while they do have roles in the body’s response to stress and can influence blood sugar indirectly, are not the primary hormones for maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Glucagon, on the other hand, works in opposition to insulin; it raises blood sugar levels by prompting the liver to release stored glucose when blood sugar is low. Therefore, while glucagon plays a role in blood sugar regulation, insulin is the primary hormone that directly lowers blood glucose levels after meals.