Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing blood glucose levels?

Glucagon is the primary hormone responsible for increasing blood glucose levels. It is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. When blood glucose levels drop, such as in between meals or during fasting, glucagon is released into the bloodstream. Its main action is to stimulate glycogenolysis, the process by which glycogen stored in the liver is broken down into glucose and released into the bloodstream. Additionally, glucagon promotes gluconeogenesis, the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, thus further increasing blood glucose levels.

In contrast, insulin, which is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, has the opposite effect; it lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells and promoting the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscle tissue. Thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, plays a role in regulating metabolism but is not primarily involved in increasing blood glucose levels. Somatostatin, produced by the delta cells of the pancreas, regulates the secretion of both insulin and glucagon but does not directly elevate blood glucose levels. Overall, glucagon is specifically designed to counteract low blood glucose, ensuring that the body has a sufficient level of glucose