Which Hormone Lowers Blood Glucose?

Question

Which hormone lowers blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the human body?

A. Glucagon
B. Insulin
C. Adrenaline
D. Thyroxine

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Correct Answer

Answer: B. Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that helps lower the amount of glucose (sugar) in our blood. It helps body cells take in glucose and helps the liver store extra glucose for later use.

Let's Understand

Our body needs energy to walk, run, play, think, and learn. One important source of this energy is glucose, a type of sugar that comes from the food we eat.

When we eat foods such as rice, bread, potatoes, and fruits, our digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars, including glucose. This glucose enters our bloodstream.

But how does our body control the amount of glucose in the blood?

The answer is insulin!

Insulin is a hormone made by a special group of cells in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach.

When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin helps muscle and fat cells take in glucose. It also helps the liver store glucose as glycogen, which the body can use later.

These actions help bring blood glucose levels down toward the normal range.

Blood sugar levels that are too high or too low can affect how our body works. Our body needs to keep blood glucose within a healthy range to function properly.

What happens when blood sugar levels are high or low?

Condition What happens? Common symptoms
High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) Too much glucose stays in the blood. Increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision.
Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) There is not enough glucose available in the blood. Shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, confusion, weakness.

What Is a Hormone?

A hormone is a chemical messenger made by the body. It travels through the blood and gives instructions to different parts of the body.

Think of hormones as messengers that help different organs work together.

A Simple Example

Imagine that glucose is a delivery package and your body cells are houses that need the packages.

Insulin acts like a helper that allows glucose to enter the cells where it can be used for energy.

When glucose is not needed immediately, the body can store some of it for later use.

This is one way insulin helps keep blood glucose levels under control.

What About the Other Answers?

Option Answer Explanation
A Glucagon — Incorrect Glucagon generally raises blood glucose levels by telling the liver to release stored glucose.
B Insulin — Correct Insulin helps lower blood glucose by helping cells take in glucose and encouraging glucose storage.
C Adrenaline — Incorrect Adrenaline helps the body respond to stressful or exciting situations and generally increases blood glucose availability.
D Thyroxine — Incorrect Thyroxine is a hormone made by the thyroid gland. It helps control how quickly the body uses energy.

Did You Know?

  1. The pancreas makes insulin: The pancreas helps control blood glucose by releasing insulin and another hormone called glucagon.

  2. Insulin was discovered in the 1920s: The discovery of insulin transformed the treatment of diabetes.

  3. Glucagon works in the opposite direction: Insulin helps lower blood glucose, while glucagon generally helps raise it.

  4. The body stores extra glucose: The liver and muscles can store glucose in a form called glycogen, which can be used when the body needs energy later.

Think About It

After eating a meal, your blood glucose level usually rises. How does your body help bring it back toward the normal range?

Quick Recap

What We Learned Simple Explanation
What is insulin? Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas.
What does insulin do? It helps lower blood glucose levels.
When is insulin released? The pancreas usually releases more insulin when blood glucose rises, such as after a meal.
What does glucagon do? Glucagon generally raises blood glucose levels.
Why is glucose important? Glucose is an important source of energy for the body.


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