Pharmacology · Antidiabetic Drugs (Oral Hypoglycemics, Insulins)

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.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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