A 50-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes and obesity (BMI 36) is started on liraglutide. The glucose-dependent insulin secretion stimulated by GLP-1 receptor agonists occurs because these drugs:
- A Close K-ATP channels on beta cells independent of glucose levels
- B Increase hepatic glycogenolysis
- C Inhibit glucagon secretion from alpha cells only
- D Increase intracellular cAMP which amplifies glucose-stimulated insulin secretion ✓
Correct answer: D. Increase intracellular cAMP which amplifies glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
Explanation
GLP-1 receptor agonists increase cAMP in beta cells, which amplifies the insulin secretory response only when glucose is elevated, explaining the low hypoglycemia risk. Sulfonylureas close K-ATP channels independent of glucose. GLP-1 agonists do inhibit glucagon, but this does not explain glucose-dependent insulin secretion. They do not increase glycogenolysis.
Reference: Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed.
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