How do the adrenal glands influence blood glucose levels?

The adrenal glands are located above the kidney, and there are two main parts. These include:

• The adrenal cortex, which secretes a group of hormones termed glucocorticoids (cortisol)

• The adrenal medulla, which secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline

Both of these have a role in raising blood glucose levels. The adrenal glands are normally stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system, meaning it is a stress-related response.

• Glucocorticoids stimulate the conversion of glycogen to glucose (glycogenolysis), as well as stimulating the breakdown of protein in muscle and then converting amino acids to glucose in the liver (gluconeogenesis)

• Adrenaline and noradrenaline stimulate the production of lactic acid from glycogen in muscle cells and then convert lactic acids into glucose in the liver