Glucose basics
Hormones and glucose levels: What you should know
By Scott Urquhart, PA-C, DFAAPA
Published: Mar. 25, 2025
4 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Let's talk about something that’s quite important for your health: blood glucose, or as most people call it, blood sugar. It's the main sugar in your bloodstream and the brain's favorite fuel. Various hormones in your body help keep your glucose levels balanced and are critical to your body functioning properly.
Why does glucose balance matter?
Your body works smoothly to maintain your glucose levels through a process called glucose homeostasis. The goal is to keep your levels in target range—not too high (hyperglycemia) and not too low (hypoglycemia). Think of it like a finely tuned symphony, with different hormones playing their parts to keep everything in harmony.
Hormones from the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, adrenal glands, and even other hormone-secreting glands all work together to keep your glucose levels steady, whether you’re eating, exercising, sleeping, or dealing with stress and illness.
The role of hormones in everyday life
In everyday life, your hormones work in a coordinated effort to keep your glucose levels balanced.
Let’s take a closer look at the key hormones involved in glucose regulation for people with typical glucose metabolism (those without diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar).
The pancreas: Your body’s glucose manager
To maintain glucose balance, your pancreas releases two main hormones that have opposite effects:
1. Insulin
Made and released by the beta cells in your pancreas, insulin signals your muscles, liver, and fat cells to move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells, where it can be stored and used for energy. This helps prevent high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
2. Glucagon
Made and released by the alpha cells in your pancreas, glucagon does the opposite of insulin. It raises your blood sugar by signaling your liver to break down glycogen, the stored form of glucose. This helps prevent or correct low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
The intestines: More than just digestion
Your intestines do more than process food—they also play a big role in glucose management through hormones like:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
Secreted by L-cells in your small and large intestines, GLP-1 helps your pancreas produce insulin after you eat and suppresses glucagon to keep your glucose from rising too high.
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)
Produced by K-cells in your small intestine, GIP works alongside GLP-1 to signal your pancreas to make insulin when your blood sugar rises after eating.
The adrenal glands: Your body’s stress responders
Your adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, release hormones that affect your fasting glucose. When your body is under more stress, like when you’re sick, emotionally stressed, or dealing with physical trauma, your adrenal glands step up to help.
Cortisol
Known as your body’s stress hormone, cortisol increases glucagon activity, prompting your liver to release stored glucose. High levels of cortisol can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for insulin to move glucose into your cells.
Adrenaline
Also known as the "fight or flight" hormone, adrenaline is released during times of stress or intense exercise. It increases glycogen breakdown in the liver, releasing glucose into your bloodstream for quick energy. Like cortisol, it can contribute to insulin resistance.
When things get out of balance
Any disruption in this finely tuned system of hormones—whether from medications, illnesses, or chronic conditions—can lead to blood sugar imbalances. Some disruptions are temporary, like those caused by certain medications or short-term illnesses. Others can be more permanent, like type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Keeping an eye on your glucose
Understanding how your hormones affect your glucose can help you take charge of your health. Tools like glucose biosensors can provide valuable insights by tracking your glucose levels 24/7, helping you spot normal patterns as well as any unusual ones.
The production of this article was sponsored by Stelo by Dexcom.
Author profile
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Scott Urquhart, PA-C, DFAAPA
Scott Urquhart has been practicing endocrinology since 1996 with Diabetes and Thyroid Associates in Spotsylvania, Virginia. He is a founding member and former President of the American Society of Endocrine PAs.