Which hormone regulates the metabolism of glucose in the body?

Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating the metabolism of glucose in the body. It is produced in the pancreas and plays a critical role in maintaining blood glucose levels. When you consume food, especially carbohydrates, glucose levels in the bloodstream rise. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose into the cells of the body, allowing them to use it for energy or store it for future use.

This regulation is vital for overall metabolic health; without sufficient insulin or proper cellular response to it, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels, which can result in conditions like diabetes. Insulin also inhibits the production of glucose by the liver and promotes the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen, further establishing its essential role in glucose metabolism.

In contrast, while hormones like glucagon elevate blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from liver stores, and cortisol and adrenaline play various roles in stress response and energy metabolism, they do not directly regulate glucose uptake in the way insulin does.