What hormone, released from the pancreas, helps to control blood glucose levels?

The hormone that plays a crucial role in controlling blood glucose levels is insulin. Insulin is produced and secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels, such as after eating a meal. Its primary function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose into the body's cells, providing them with energy. Additionally, insulin promotes the conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscles, thus regulating blood sugar levels effectively.

In a healthy metabolic state, insulin helps maintain homeostasis by preventing blood glucose from rising too high after consuming food. Imbalances in insulin production can lead to conditions such as diabetes, where blood glucose levels remain elevated.

Other hormones mentioned in the options serve different roles. For instance, glucagon, also produced by the pancreas, works to increase blood glucose levels when they fall too low, essentially acting as a counterbalance to insulin. Adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands, prepares the body for a fight-or-flight response and increases blood sugar levels rapidly during stress. Cortisol, another hormone from the adrenal glands, plays a key role in metabolism and stress response and also has effects on blood glucose regulation, but it primarily raises glucose levels rather than lowering them.

Therefore, insulin is clearly the