Several hormones regulate blood glucose concentration. Insulin, the main regulatory hormone, is produced by and secreted from the pancreatic beta-cells. Insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose and the movement of glucose from blood to cells for energy production. Insulin also stimulates glycogenesis, inhibits glycogenolysis, and regulates protein synthesis.
Other hormones that are also involved in carbohydrate metabolism include:
- Pancreatic glucagon- stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis
- Adrenal gland cortisol- promotes gluconeogenesis
- Epinephrine- a neurotransmitter that increases glycogenolysis