What is the primary hormone released by beta (β) cells of the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels?

• A. Glucagon
• B. Cortisol
• C. Insulin
• D. Epinephrine

Answer: (C)

The primary hormone released by beta cells of the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels is insulin. When blood glucose levels rise, such as after a meal, beta cells detect this increase and secrete insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, particularly in muscle and adipose tissue, where it can be used for energy or stored as glycogen. This mechanism helps lower blood glucose levels back to a normal range, maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Other hormones like glucagon, cortisol, and epinephrine play different roles in glucose metabolism. Glucagon is released by alpha cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are low, promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver to release glucose. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can increase blood glucose levels, but it is not primarily involved in the immediate response to high glucose. Epinephrine, also involved in the body's stress response, can elevate blood sugar levels but is not directly released in response to high blood glucose levels like insulin is.