How does the body respond to low blood sugar?

How does the body respond to low blood sugar?

• A. By triggering counterregulatory hormones to stimulate glucose production.
• B. By increasing insulin release.
• C. By decreasing respiration.
• D. By increasing glucose uptake by muscles.

Answer: (A)

When blood sugar drops, the body activates counterregulatory hormones to raise glucose promptly. The pancreas reduces insulin release and the alpha cells secrete glucagon, while the adrenal glands release epinephrine; longer-term, cortisol and growth hormone help sustain glucose availability. Glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen and to manufacture new glucose (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis), increasing hepatic glucose output. Epinephrine reinforces this by promoting glycogen breakdown, limiting further insulin action, and mobilizing energy stores, all of which raise blood glucose and make glucose available to the brain. Cortisol and growth hormone contribute by enhancing gluconeogenesis and reducing peripheral glucose utilization over a longer span. The other options would either lower glucose further or do not directly influence glucose production or release, so they don’t fit the body’s corrective response to hypoglycemia.

When blood sugar drops, the body activates counterregulatory hormones to raise glucose promptly. The pancreas reduces insulin release and the alpha cells secrete glucagon, while the adrenal glands release epinephrine; longer-term, cortisol and growth hormone help sustain glucose availability. Glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen and to manufacture new glucose (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis), increasing hepatic glucose output. Epinephrine reinforces this by promoting glycogen breakdown, limiting further insulin action, and mobilizing energy stores, all of which raise blood glucose and make glucose available to the brain. Cortisol and growth hormone contribute by enhancing gluconeogenesis and reducing peripheral glucose utilization over a longer span. The other options would either lower glucose further or do not directly influence glucose production or release, so they don’t fit the body’s corrective response to hypoglycemia.