Which is the primary hormone produced by the pancreas?

The primary hormone produced by the pancreas is insulin, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels in the body. Insulin is secreted by the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans, a cluster of cells within the pancreas. Its main function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose by the cells, allowing them to use it as a source of energy. Insulin also promotes the storage of excess glucose in the liver as glycogen and inhibits the production of glucose by the liver.

In the context of diabetes mellitus, for example, insufficient production or ineffective use of insulin can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, highlighting insulin's importance in metabolic processes. The role of insulin in maintaining homeostasis of blood glucose levels is central to health, making it the fundamental hormone produced by the pancreas.

Other hormones like glucagon, while also produced in the pancreas and involved in glucose metabolism, have a different primary function. Glucagon stimulates the liver to release stored glucose back into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels are low, serving as a counterbalance to the actions of insulin.