What hormone is important for regulating the body's use of glucose?

• A. Glucagon
• B. Insulin
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Cortisol

Answer: (B)

Insulin is the hormone primarily responsible for regulating the body's use of glucose. It is produced by the pancreas and plays a key role in lowering blood sugar levels after meals by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells of the body. This process is essential for providing energy to cells and maintaining overall metabolic balance.

When glucose enters the bloodstream, insulin is released to promote its absorption by cells, especially in muscle and fat tissues. This not only helps to decrease blood glucose levels but also enables cells to utilize glucose for energy or store it for future use. Insulin also encourages the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage.

In contrast, the other hormones listed, while they have roles in glucose metabolism, do not primarily regulate its use like insulin does. Glucagon, for example, raises blood sugar levels by promoting the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, counteracting the effects of insulin. Adrenaline increases blood sugar levels during stress or emergencies by promoting glycogen breakdown, while cortisol contributes to longer-term regulation of glucose and metabolism but is more associated with stress responses and inflammation rather than immediate glucose regulation. Thus, insulin is distinctly recognized as the pivotal hormone in managing glucose utilization in the body.