Cortisol Effects on Glucose
Cortisol is a corticosteroid, one of the major hormones in the body. It is produced by the adrenal glands and has widespread effects, controlling anti-inflammatory action, levels of glucose in the blood and blood pressure. Cortisol also affects muscle strength and regulates the salt and water balance in the body. An abnormally high or low level may cause a number of problems.
Effects
Cortisol releases stored glucose from the cells, providing needed energy. However, in people who are glucose-intolerant, a study published in "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" found that a higher cortisol level may be present, possibly causing a change in circadian rhythm.
Function
Cortisol is one of the "fight or flight" hormones that prepare the body for some unexpected stress. In normal situations, cortisol levels are at their highest in the morning hours, helping prepare the body for getting up. Levels are normally lowest in the latter part of the evening.
Significance
Fasting blood sugar (glucose) tests are normally done in the morning after the patient has had nothing to eat or drink except water since the night before. If blood is drawn for the test early enough, a falsely high reading may result from the "dawn effect" of elevated cortisol.
Considerations
Some medical studies suggest that a glucose level read 2 hours after a meal is a more accurate indicator of the presence or absence of diabetes.
Misconceptions
Considerable controversy exists over whether chronically elevated cortisol levels have a deleterious effect on the body and lead to weight gain. A significant industry has grown up on providing supplements to supposedly cure this condition.
Tags: Cortisol Effects, Cortisol Effects Glucose, cortisol levels, Effects Glucose, elevated cortisol, prepare body