DSST Health and Human Development Complete Practice Exam 2026

Insulin is the hormone responsible for activating glucose transport in the body. When blood glucose levels rise, such as after a meal, the pancreas secretes insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose into the cells, especially muscle and fat cells. This process not only lowers blood glucose levels but also enables cells to use glucose for energy or store it for future use. Insulin binds to insulin receptors on the cell membrane, triggering a series of metabolic processes that lead to the translocation of glucose transporters to the cell surface, allowing glucose to enter the cells.

In contrast, glucagon primarily works to increase blood glucose levels by signaling the liver to release stored glucose when levels are low. Cortisol, a stress hormone, plays a role in glucose metabolism but primarily works to raise blood glucose levels during periods of stress, not directly transporting it into cells. Adrenaline (or epinephrine) also raises blood glucose levels in response to stress by promoting gluconeogenesis and glycolysis, but it does not target glucose transport into cells like insulin does.