Question

Blood samples taken from a person fasting for 24 hrs will have which of the following?

• A. High levels of insulin and glucagon
• B. Low levels of insulin and glucagon
• C. High levels of glucagon, low levels of insulin
• D. Low levels of glucagon, high levels of insulin

Answer 1

The correct option is C High levels of glucagon, low levels of insulin

Blood sample taken from a person who is fasting will have high levels of glucagon and low levels of insulin. After a meal, an increased secretion of insulin by the β cells of the pancreatic islets promotes removal of excess glucose from blood and the deposition of glycogen and fat. When blood glucose levels decrease, as they do between meals, during periods of fasting, and during exercise, the liver secretes glucose into the blood. During fasting or exercising, an increased glucagon secretion by the α cells of the pancreatic islets and a decreased insulin secretion promote the breakdown (through hydrolysis reactions) of glycogen and fat.