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Question

Which one of the following hormones is essential for the uptake of glucose by cells in the human body?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2016 English Previous Year Paper (14-Feb-2016)
The correct answer is

Insulin

Hormone Essentials for Glucose Uptake Explained

Understanding how our body uses glucose for energy is key to comprehending metabolic processes. Glucose, a primary energy source, needs to enter our body's cells to be utilized. This process is tightly regulated by hormones, chemical messengers that signal cells to act. The question asks to identify the specific hormone crucial for facilitating this essential glucose uptake by cells.

Analyzing Hormonal Roles in Glucose Metabolism

Let's look at the functions of the hormones mentioned in the options concerning glucose regulation:

  • Growth Hormone (GH): Produced by the pituitary gland, GH is mainly involved in growth and cell reproduction. While it influences metabolism, GH generally opposes the action of insulin, tending to raise blood glucose levels rather than promoting its uptake into cells.
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland to regulate the thyroid gland. The thyroid hormones it stimulates (T3 and T4) affect overall metabolic rate but are not directly responsible for the cellular uptake of glucose.
  • Insulin: This hormone, produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, plays the most vital role in lowering blood glucose levels. Insulin acts like a key, binding to receptors on the surface of cells (especially muscle, fat, and liver cells) and signaling them to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cell. This action is fundamental for providing cells with energy and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
  • Cortisol: A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol is often called a "stress hormone." It increases blood glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and by reducing glucose uptake by peripheral tissues, thus having an effect opposite to insulin.

Comparing Hormone Functions: Glucose Uptake

The table below summarizes the primary impact of each hormone on glucose uptake:

Hormone Primary Role in Glucose Uptake General Effect on Blood Glucose
GH Minimal; tends to oppose uptake Increases
TSH Indirect; affects overall metabolism Indirect effects
Insulin Facilitates uptake Decreases
Cortisol Minimal; tends to decrease uptake Increases

Conclusion on Essential Hormone for Glucose Uptake

Based on the functions described, Insulin is the hormone uniquely and essentially responsible for promoting the uptake of glucose by cells in the human body, allowing them to use it for energy.

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