In which condition would glucagon typically exert its effects?

In which condition would glucagon typically exert its effects?

• A. After a high carbohydrate meal
• B. During periods of fasting
• C. When blood glucose levels are excessively high
• D. During phases of rapid growth

Answer: (B)

Glucagon typically exerts its effects during periods of fasting. In this condition, the body’s glucose reserves begin to deplete, and there is a need to maintain blood glucose levels, especially for the brain and other vital organs that depend on glucose for energy. When fasting occurs, glucagon is secreted from the alpha cells of the pancreas in response to low blood glucose levels. Its primary function is to promote the release of glucose into the bloodstream by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen into glucose, a process known as glycogenolysis. Additionally, glucagon encourages gluconeogenesis, where the liver generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, further supporting blood glucose levels during fasting. The other choices do not align with the action of glucagon. After a high carbohydrate meal, insulin is more active to lower elevated blood glucose. If blood glucose levels are excessively high, insulin secretion increases rather than glucagon’s activity since the body aims to reduce glucose levels. During rapid growth phases, both insulin and growth hormones dominate to promote tissue synthesis rather than glucagon, which generally works to raise blood glucose.

Glucagon typically exerts its effects during periods of fasting. In this condition, the body’s glucose reserves begin to deplete, and there is a need to maintain blood glucose levels, especially for the brain and other vital organs that depend on glucose for energy.

When fasting occurs, glucagon is secreted from the alpha cells of the pancreas in response to low blood glucose levels. Its primary function is to promote the release of glucose into the bloodstream by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen into glucose, a process known as glycogenolysis. Additionally, glucagon encourages gluconeogenesis, where the liver generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, further supporting blood glucose levels during fasting.

The other choices do not align with the action of glucagon. After a high carbohydrate meal, insulin is more active to lower elevated blood glucose. If blood glucose levels are excessively high, insulin secretion increases rather than glucagon’s activity since the body aims to reduce glucose levels. During rapid growth phases, both insulin and growth hormones dominate to promote tissue synthesis rather than glucagon, which generally works to raise blood glucose.