Which hormone increases blood glucose levels?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Glucagon
• C. Progesterone
• D. Insulin

Answer: (B)

Blood sugar is controlled by hormones that either push glucose into cells and store it or push glucose into the bloodstream when needed. The hormone that raises blood glucose is glucagon. It’s released when blood glucose falls. In the liver, glucagon activates processes that break down stored glycogen into glucose (glycogenolysis) and also stimulates glucose production from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis). This increases the amount of glucose circulating in the blood. Estrogen and progesterone are primarily sex hormones with limited immediate effect on glucose levels, while insulin lowers blood glucose by helping cells take in glucose and by promoting storage.