Insulin keeps glucose level within the narrow limit. It is released in response to the rapid rise in blood glucose level. The hormone that tends to increase glucose level in the blood is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Glucagon
Insulin and glucagon are the two hormones of the pancreas that together keep the blood glucose level within a narrow range. Insulin is released when the blood glucose rises and lowers it; glucagon has the opposite effect and increases the glucose level in the blood (it makes the liver release glucose from its stored glycogen).
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) Epinephrine — Incorrect. Epinephrine also raises blood glucose under stress, but it mediates the body’s response to external stimuli; the hormone that works with insulin to keep the glucose level within limits is glucagon.
Option (3) Estradiol — Incorrect. It is the main female sex hormone, controlling the development of secondary sex characters.
Option (4) Adrenal cortex — Incorrect. It is a gland (part of the adrenal gland), not a hormone.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Hormones – “Insulin is released in response to the rapid rise in blood glucose level. On the other hand hormone glucagon tends to increase the glucose level in the blood. The two hormones together regulate the glucose level in the blood.”