The Vital Role of Glucose in the Body

4. Other Hormones

There are many other hormones involved in maintaining proper glucose levels. The pituitary gland produces adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. In times of stress, cortisol triggers the liver to release glucose.

Epinephrine increases glucose output from the liver and decreases the glucose-lowering effects of insulin. Thyroxine raises the blood sugar by increasing absorption in the intestines, and growth hormone increases blood sugar by inhibiting the liver from storing glucose and affecting the action of insulin. You can see how one of these hormones out of balance could have a significant effect on the body.