What effect does decreased insulin have on blood glucose levels in the bloodstream?

Decreased insulin levels lead to an increase in blood glucose levels due to insulin's crucial role in glucose metabolism. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into body cells, especially muscle and fat cells. When insulin levels drop, the capacity of these cells to absorb glucose decreases, which means that more glucose remains in the bloodstream.

Additionally, decreased insulin can stimulate the liver to release stored glucose (glycogen) into the bloodstream, further contributing to elevated blood glucose levels. This physiological response is particularly significant in individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes, where insulin is either ineffective or inadequate, leading to persistently high blood glucose levels. Therefore, the relationship between decreased insulin and increased blood glucose is clear and underscores the importance of insulin in maintaining glucose homeostasis.