Final answer:
Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress, increases blood glucose levels and suppresses the immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex as a response to stress and to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation. It is classified as a glucocorticoid due to its role in glucose metabolism. Cortisol has multiple effects on the body, including increasing blood glucose levels by stimulating glucose synthesis and gluconeogenesis in the liver, and releasing fatty acids from adipose tissue. Additionally, cortisol has an immune system-suppressing effect, which can reduce inflammation but also increases susceptibility to infection if used as a medication over the long term.