What effect does cortisol have on glucose metabolism?

Cortisol plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, primarily by increasing the availability of glucose for energy production, especially during stress or fasting conditions. It stimulates gluconeogenesis, which is the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in the liver. This ensures that there is a sufficient supply of glucose in the bloodstream, particularly when the body's energy demands increase, such as in response to stress or when food intake is low.

Moreover, cortisol also promotes the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, which can also be used for gluconeogenesis, and it inhibits glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, ensuring that more glucose remains available in the blood for vital organs, such as the brain, which relies heavily on glucose for energy.

Through these mechanisms, cortisol effectively increases overall glucose metabolism, highlighting its essential role in gluconeogenesis and the regulation of blood sugar levels during periods of increased metabolic demand.