A diabetic patient accidentally takes twice their normal insulin dose. Two hours later, blood glucose drops to 45 mg/dL. Which compensatory mechanism would be activated FIRST to counteract this hypoglycemia? Answer: Pancreatic alpha cells increase glucagon secretion to stimulate hepatic glucose production
Glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells is the first and fastest hormonal response to hypoglycemia, typically occurring within minutes. Glucagon rapidly stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to restore blood glucose levels. Choice B (cortisol) is a slower response that takes hours to become effective. Choice C (thyroid hormones) affects long-term metabolic rate but doesn't provide acute glucose counter-regulation. Choice D is incorrect because while growth hormone does have counter-regulatory effects, the glucagon response is much faster and represents the primary first-line defense against hypoglycemia.
