Which hormone increases during exercise to help regulate blood sugar levels?

The hormone that increases during exercise to help regulate blood sugar levels is glucagon. During physical activity, the body requires a significant amount of energy, which is primarily derived from glucose. As exercise begins and the demand for energy rises, the pancreas secretes glucagon. This hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose levels by promoting the conversion of stored glycogen in the liver into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream.

The action of glucagon during exercise is particularly important since it counteracts the effects of insulin. While insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, its levels decrease during exercise to ensure that glucose remains available in the bloodstream for active muscles. This balance between glucagon and insulin is essential for effective energy regulation, making glucagon a pivotal hormone in sustaining activity during exercise.

In contrast, hormones like insulin and estrogen do not have a similar role during exercise. Insulin levels drop to prevent excessive glucose uptake into cells when it is crucial to keep glucose available in the blood. Estrogen, while essential for various bodily functions, does not directly contribute to blood sugar regulation during physical activity. Cortisol, although it can rise during stress and exercise, primarily assists in increasing glucose availability over a longer term rather than serving the immediate energy needs