GLUCOCORTICOID - A type of steroid hormone that is produced naturally by the adrenal glands (e.g. cortisol). Some medications have strong glucocorticoid properties (e.g. Prednisone) and are used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases. In general, the important functions of glucocorticoids include: assisting the body in it's response to stress, maintaining blood pressure and cardiovascular function, helping the immune system's inflammatory response, helping balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy, and the regulation of protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.