Endocrinology: delayed counter-regulation of hypoglycaemia: practice question

A Physiology 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.

Try it

Physiology · Endocrinology: delayed counter-regulation of hypoglycaemia

Sample item

After glucagon and adrenaline have acted in the first minutes of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, which pair of hormones sustains glucose recovery over the next few hours by promoting gluconeogenesis and reducing peripheral glucose use?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Cortisol and growth hormone

Cortisol and growth hormone are slower counter-regulatory hormones. They raise gluconeogenesis and lipolysis and decrease glucose uptake, supporting recovery when the rapid responses fade.

Option by option

  • A. Calcitonin and parathyroid hormone

    These hormones regulate calcium and do not raise glucose.

  • B. Aldosterone and vasopressin

    These regulate salt and water balance rather than glucose.

  • C. Cortisol and growth hormone (correct)

    Correct. These are the slower counter-regulatory hormones that act over hours.

  • D. Thyroxine and oxytocin

    Thyroxine sets metabolic rate and oxytocin acts on the uterus and breast, so neither is a counter-regulatory hormone.

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.

More Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Cortisol and growth hormone. Cortisol and growth hormone are slower counter-regulatory hormones.

Why is "Calcitonin and parathyroid hormone" not the answer?

These hormones regulate calcium and do not raise glucose.

Why is "Aldosterone and vasopressin" not the answer?

These regulate salt and water balance rather than glucose.

Why is "Thyroxine and oxytocin" not the answer?

Thyroxine sets metabolic rate and oxytocin acts on the uterus and breast, so neither is a counter-regulatory hormone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology: delayed counter-regulation of hypoglycaemia in Physiology. They raise gluconeogenesis and lipolysis and decrease glucose uptake, supporting recovery when the rapid responses fade.

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 Endocrinology: delayed counter-regulation of hypoglycaemia?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology 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.