Diabetogenic effect

Definition

The diabetogenic effect refers to the tendency of certain hormones, particularly those from the endocrine system, to increase blood glucose levels. This effect is often observed during pregnancy or in response to stress and certain hormone therapies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hormones such as cortisol, growth hormone, and progesterone can induce a diabetogenic effect.
2. The diabetogenic effect is crucial for understanding gestational diabetes, which occurs when pregnancy hormones cause insulin resistance.
3. Cortisol increases blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver.
4. Growth hormone reduces the uptake of glucose by muscle cells, contributing to higher blood sugar levels.
5. Managing the diabetogenic effect is essential for patients undergoing steroid therapy to avoid hyperglycemia.

Review Questions

• Which hormones are primarily responsible for inducing the diabetogenic effect?
• How does cortisol contribute to increased blood glucose levels?
• Why is the diabetogenic effect particularly significant during pregnancy?

Related terms

Insulin Resistance: A condition where cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

Gestational Diabetes: A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy due to hormonal changes causing insulin resistance.

Gluconeogenesis: The metabolic process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids and glycerol.