Which hormone regulates blood sugar levels?

Insulin is the primary hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. It is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas and plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. When blood sugar levels rise after eating, insulin is released into the bloodstream to facilitate the uptake of glucose by cells, especially in muscle and fat tissues, thereby reducing blood sugar levels to a normal range. Insulin helps convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscle, ensuring that energy is available when needed.

While adrenaline and cortisol also influence blood sugar levels, their roles are more related to stress responses and stimulating the release of glucose into the blood rather than regulating it. Glucagon, on the other hand, works in a complementary manner to insulin; it stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen back into glucose and release it into the bloodstream, which increases blood sugar levels when they are low. However, insulin is the hormone specifically tasked with lowering elevated blood sugar levels after meals, making it the key hormone in blood sugar regulation.