Which pancreatic hormone supports blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis?

• A. Insulin
• B. Somatostatin
• C. Pancreatic polypeptide
• D. Glucagon

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of pancreatic hormones in blood glucose regulation. The pancreas secretes several hormones, each with distinct effects on glucose metabolism.
2. Step 2: Recall that insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake and storage as glycogen, so it does not support increasing blood glucose levels.
3. Step 3: Recognize that somatostatin primarily acts as an inhibitory hormone, regulating the secretion of other hormones rather than directly affecting blood glucose levels.
4. Step 4: Identify that pancreatic polypeptide mainly regulates pancreatic secretions and gastrointestinal functions, not blood glucose.
5. Step 5: Conclude that glucagon is the hormone that supports blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis) and the formation of new glucose (gluconeogenesis) in the liver, thus increasing blood glucose.