What hormone is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood sugar levels?

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

Answer: (B)

Insulin is the hormone secreted by the pancreas specifically for lowering blood sugar levels. When you consume food, particularly carbohydrates, your blood glucose levels rise. In response to this increase, the pancreatic beta cells release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, particularly in muscle and adipose tissue, and promotes the conversion of glucose into glycogen in the liver for storage. This process decreases the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream, effectively regulating blood sugar levels and maintaining homeostasis.

In contrast, other hormones like glucagon, which is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas, actually work to raise blood sugar levels. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, plays a role in stress responses and can influence blood sugar levels but not through direct insulin-like action. Somatostatin, produced by the delta cells of the pancreas, primarily inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon, thus playing a regulatory, rather than a direct role in lowering blood sugar. Therefore, insulin is the key hormone responsible for the reduction of blood glucose levels following a meal.