What role does cortisol play in the body?

Cortisol plays a crucial role in modulating carbohydrate metabolism. It is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, and one of its primary functions is to help maintain blood glucose levels during periods of stress or fasting. Cortisol influences the metabolism of carbohydrates by promoting gluconeogenesis, which is the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and glycerol, primarily in the liver. This is particularly important for providing energy to the body when glucose levels may be low.

In terms of responses to stress, cortisol ensures that adequate energy sources are available by increasing blood glucose levels, which is vital for brain function and muscle activity. Moreover, cortisol also impacts protein metabolism by facilitating the breakdown of proteins to provide building blocks for gluconeogenesis.

While cortisol does have some influence on immune responses, particularly by modulating inflammation, its most prominent and well-studied role relates to the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. It’s important to understand the primary biological functions of hormones like cortisol, as they can have far-reaching effects on several physiological systems.