Cortisol

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal gland as part of the stress response.

Cortisol regulates glucose metabolism by promoting:

• Gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis in the liver via metabolism of the body's stores of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Glycogenlysis in skeletal muscle.

Elevated Cortisol

Chronically elevated cortisol leads to Cushing's Syndrome or Cushing's Disease.

Insufficient Cortisol

Addison’s Disease results from chronically insufficient cortisol and other products of the adrenal gland.

Insufficient cortisol levels coupled with acute insult (such as injury, surgery, infections, or halting glucocorticoid use) can lead to an adrenal crisis, where the body lacks the necessary cortisol to maintain blood pressure and provide sufficient glucose to cells. Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening, acute medical emergency.