Which hormone does not promote an increase in blood glucose levels?

Which hormone does not promote an increase in blood glucose levels?

• A. Growth hormone
• B. Cortisol
• C. Glucagon
• D. Insulin

Answer: (D)

Blood glucose levels are governed by hormones that either promote glucose production and release into the blood or promote uptake and storage, lowering the level. Insulin is the hormone that lowers blood glucose: it signals cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream and to store it as glycogen in liver and muscle, while also inhibiting glucose production by the liver. The other hormones promote a rise in glucose: growth hormone can oppose insulin action and raise glucose by reducing peripheral uptake and increasing hepatic output; cortisol boosts gluconeogenesis and reduces glucose uptake in tissues; glucagon directly stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. Therefore, the hormone that does not promote an increase in blood glucose levels is insulin.

Blood glucose levels are governed by hormones that either promote glucose production and release into the blood or promote uptake and storage, lowering the level. Insulin is the hormone that lowers blood glucose: it signals cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream and to store it as glycogen in liver and muscle, while also inhibiting glucose production by the liver. The other hormones promote a rise in glucose: growth hormone can oppose insulin action and raise glucose by reducing peripheral uptake and increasing hepatic output; cortisol boosts gluconeogenesis and reduces glucose uptake in tissues; glucagon directly stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. Therefore, the hormone that does not promote an increase in blood glucose levels is insulin.