Antidiabetic drugs: sulfonylureas: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Antidiabetic drugs: sulfonylureas

Sample item

Sulfonylureas increase insulin secretion by closing which channel on pancreatic beta cells?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. ATP-sensitive potassium channel

Closure of the beta-cell KATP channel depolarises the cell, opens voltage-gated calcium channels, and triggers insulin granule exocytosis. This explains their hypoglycaemia risk.

Option by option

  • A. Epithelial sodium channel

    ENaC is targeted indirectly by potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride.

  • B. ATP-sensitive potassium channel (correct)

    Correct. KATP closure initiates beta-cell depolarisation.

  • C. Voltage-gated sodium channel

    Sodium channels are not the primary sulfonylurea target.

  • D. CFTR chloride channel

    CFTR is defective in cystic fibrosis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is B, ATP-sensitive potassium channel. Closure of the beta-cell KATP channel depolarises the cell, opens voltage-gated calcium channels, and triggers insulin granule exocytosis.

Why is "Epithelial sodium channel" not the answer?

ENaC is targeted indirectly by potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride.

Why is "Voltage-gated sodium channel" not the answer?

Sodium channels are not the primary sulfonylurea target.

Why is "CFTR chloride channel" not the answer?

CFTR is defective in cystic fibrosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antidiabetic drugs: sulfonylureas in Pharmacology. This explains their hypoglycaemia risk.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antidiabetic drugs: sulfonylureas?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.