Which hormone is primarily involved in blood sugar regulation?

Insulin is the hormone primarily involved in blood sugar regulation. It is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in controlling blood glucose levels. When you eat, your blood sugar levels rise, and insulin is released to facilitate the uptake of glucose by the body’s cells. This uptake is essential for providing energy to the body's tissues. Insulin also helps store glucose in the liver as glycogen for later use, effectively lowering blood sugar levels after meals.

In contrast, while cortisol is important for metabolism and plays a role in the body’s response to stress, it actually increases blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) is released during stress and can raise blood sugar levels by stimulating liver glycogen breakdown, but it is not primarily responsible for blood sugar regulation. Testosterone mainly influences muscle mass and reproductive functions rather than directly regulating blood sugar levels. This makes insulin the key hormone for maintaining stable blood sugar levels in the body.