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A patient presents with symptoms of extreme thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Blood tests reveal persistently high blood glucose levels. Which of the following hormones is most likely deficient or ineffective in this patient?
- ACortisol
- BInsulin
- CThyroxine
- DGrowth hormone
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Insulin
The symptoms described (high blood glucose, thirst, urination, weight loss) are classic indicators of diabetes mellitus, which is caused by a deficiency in insulin production or the body's inability to effectively use insulin.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can increase blood glucose, but a primary deficiency or ineffectiveness of cortisol is not the direct cause of these specific symptoms.
- C. Thyroxine regulates metabolism, and its imbalance causes thyroid disorders, not high blood glucose.
- D. Growth hormone promotes growth and can affect glucose metabolism, but its primary deficiency does not typically manifest with these specific symptoms of high blood glucose.
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into body cells.
- Lowers blood glucose.
- Essential for glucose metabolism.
- Deficiency or resistance leads to diabetes mellitus.
Memory trick: Insulin lowers, Glucagon raises. Like a seesaw for blood sugar.