Long term status of blood sugar is explained by:September 2008
**Core Concept**
The long-term status of blood sugar is primarily explained by the balance between glucose production (gluconeogenesis) and glucose utilization, which is influenced by the body's insulin and glucagon levels. This balance is crucial for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the concept of glucagon and insulin's opposing effects on glucose metabolism. Glucagon, produced by the pancreas, stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, thereby increasing blood glucose levels. Insulin, on the other hand, suppresses gluconeogenesis and stimulates glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, thereby decreasing blood glucose levels. In the long term, the balance between these two hormones determines blood sugar status. The Somatostatin inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not directly relate to the long-term regulation of blood sugar. While hormones like adrenaline and cortisol do influence glucose metabolism, they are not the primary regulators of long-term blood sugar status.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it refers to the short-term regulation of blood sugar, which involves the release of insulin and glucagon in response to changes in blood glucose levels. This is not the same as the long-term regulation of blood sugar.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because while it is true that insulin resistance can lead to hyperglycemia, it is not the primary mechanism for explaining the long-term status of blood sugar.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To remember the long-term regulation of blood sugar, recall the opposing effects of glucagon and insulin on glucose metabolism. Glucagon increases blood glucose levels, while insulin decreases them.
**Correct Answer: B.**