Does the brain play a role in glucose regulation?

• A. Yes, the brain directly regulates glucose levels
• B. No, the brain does not play a role in glucose regulation
• C. Only during fasting
• D. Only in conjunction with the pancreas

Answer: (B)

Glucose regulation relies on both hormonal signals and neural control. The brain, especially the hypothalamus, has glucose-sensing neurons that monitor blood glucose levels. When those levels change, the brain sends autonomic signals to other organs to adjust glucose production and use. It can prompt the liver to increase or decrease glucose output via glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, and it can influence the release of insulin and glucagon from the pancreas, even though the brain itself doesn’t produce these hormones. This neural coordination happens in both fed and fasting states, not just during one condition. So the brain does play a central coordinating role in keeping blood glucose within a normal range.