What hormone, produced by the pancreas, is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels?

Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels. When you consume food, particularly carbohydrates, your blood sugar levels increase as glucose is released into the bloodstream. In response to this rise in blood sugar, the pancreas secretes insulin. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by the body's cells, allowing them to use it for energy or store it for later use. This process effectively lowers blood glucose levels to a normal range.

In addition to its role in glucose uptake, insulin also helps regulate other metabolic processes, including fat storage and protein synthesis, making it a critical hormone in maintaining overall energy balance and metabolic health.