Which of the following hormones is elevated during chronic stress leading to increased blood glucose?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone." During periods of chronic stress, cortisol levels increase significantly as part of the body's response to stressors. This hormone plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism by promoting gluconeogenesis, which is the process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in the liver.

As cortisol levels rise, it enhances blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to produce more glucose and also by reducing the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, preventing glucose uptake. This phenomenon is a part of the body's adaptation mechanism to ensure that adequate energy is available during stressful situations, which can elevate blood sugar levels for immediate energy use.

In contrast to cortisol, insulin decreases blood glucose levels and counteracts elevated glucose through facilitating cellular uptake. Glucagon, while involved in raising blood glucose levels, primarily responds to low blood sugar rather than being elevated during chronic stress as cortisol is. Adiponectin, on the other hand, is associated with regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown but is not known to be elevated during stress; rather, it typically decreases during obesity and insulin resistance.

Overall, the elevation of cortisol during chronic stress is directly linked to increased blood glucose levels in the body