INS and metabolic syndrome: The role of glucocorticoid hormones in maintaining the blood glucose level by mobilization of energy sources is essential for homeostasis: Cortisol deficiency results in low blood glucose levels, dizziness, generalized weakness and stress sensitivity while cortisol overproduction, hypercortisolism, leads to high blood pressure, increased abdominal fat deposition, insulin resistance etc. Due to its pivotal role in cortisol production, inhibition of 11β-HSD1 maybe of therapeutic value in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes.