Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

The hormone that is known to be antagonistic to insulin is cortisol. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress and helps to increase blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver. This process counteracts the effects of insulin, which aims to lower blood glucose levels by promoting its uptake into the cells. In situations of stress or chronic inflammation, elevated cortisol levels can lead to insulin resistance, making it more difficult for the body's cells to respond to insulin. This can contribute to higher blood sugar levels and may exacerbate conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Understanding the role of cortisol is essential for diabetes management, as maintaining a balance between various hormones is critical for regulating blood glucose levels effectively.