What role does insulin play in the body?

• A. It helps regulate blood sugar levels
• B. It increases blood pressure
• C. It enhances digestion
• D. It promotes muscle growth

Answer: (A)

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis. When you consume food, it is broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. In response to elevated blood glucose levels, the pancreas secretes insulin. This hormone facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, particularly in the liver, muscle, and fat tissues, allowing them to use glucose for energy or store it for future use. This process helps lower blood sugar levels back to normal.

While insulin does have effects on other tissues that can support muscle growth, such as promoting the uptake of amino acids and glucose into muscle cells, its primary and most well-known function is in the management of blood glucose. Other options provided, such as increasing blood pressure or enhancing digestion, are not direct functions of insulin. Insulin's main effects are specifically tied to carbohydrate metabolism and energy regulation.