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Cortisol Impact on Insulin

Meaning

Cortisol Impact on Insulin describes the direct and indirect antagonistic effects of the stress hormone cortisol on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Elevated or chronically dysregulated cortisol levels promote hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, increasing circulating glucose levels in preparation for a perceived stressor. Simultaneously, cortisol impairs the ability of peripheral tissues, such as muscle and fat, to respond effectively to insulin, thereby inducing a state of physiological insulin resistance. This hormonal interplay is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.