What hormone increases the concentration of glucose in the blood?

The hormone that increases the concentration of glucose in the blood is glucagon. Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and plays a critical role in maintaining blood glucose levels, particularly during fasting or between meals. When blood glucose levels drop, glucagon is released into the bloodstream. It acts primarily on the liver, stimulating glycogenolysis, which is the process of breaking down glycogen into glucose. This glucose is then released into the bloodstream, effectively raising blood sugar levels.

Additionally, glucagon can also promote gluconeogenesis, the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, which further contributes to elevating blood glucose levels during periods of low glucose availability. This action is crucial for providing energy to the body, especially for vital organs such as the brain, which relies heavily on glucose as its primary energy source.

In contrast, insulin, produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, decreases blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells. Cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can also increase blood glucose levels but primarily through mechanisms that promote gluconeogenesis and reduce glucose uptake by cells under stress. Epinephrine, or adrenaline, works similarly to glucagon in that it prepares the body