Five hormones that play a role in regulation of glucose metabolism during exercise are insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. The first hormone I will discuss is insulin, which is secreted from beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin makes an easier production and use of blood sugar (glucose), this then lowers blood glucose when above normal level. Glucose is delivered by muscle while at rest. Glucagon does the reverse of what insulin does. It also secretes in the pancreas, secreting alpha cells. These cells control the glucose amount in blood. Glucagon breaks down glycogen in the liver and the production of glucose in the liver. Glucagon stimulates lipolysis in adipose tissue which provides fuel and energy to cells, allowing for a conservation of glucose in the blood during a long-duration exercise. As the intensity of an exercise increases so does the increase of glucagon in the blood …show more content…
Within the adrenal gland are two parts: the medulla which produces epinephrine that is associated with adrenaline. The other part is the cortex and produces norepinephrine and is associated with noradrenaline. Together these hormones are considered catecholamines, that function as preparation for the body for emergency or stressful events that can occur. Epinephrine stimulates stored carbohydrates and fats which fuel muscular work. It also stimulates the release of glycogen (glycogenolysis) and the production of gluconeogenesis. Both epinephrine and norepinephrine work with glucagon to increase blood glucose, the regulation of blood pressure, as well as an increased heart rate, and the contraction of the heart during