What is the hormone that converts Glucose to Glycogen called?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to high blood glucose.
It promotes the uptake of glucose by liver and muscle cells.
Insulin stimulates the enzymatic process of glycogenesis, which converts glucose into its storage form, glycogen.
This action effectively lowers blood glucose levels, making it the body's primary hypoglycemic hormone.

Option A: Glycogen is the product of glucose storage, not the hormone that causes the conversion. It is a polysaccharide stored in the liver and muscles.
Option C: Thyroxin (thyroxine) is a thyroid hormone that increases the body's metabolic rate. It has a hyperglycemic effect, meaning it raises blood sugar levels, which is the opposite of the process described.
Option D: Heparin is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. It has no function related to the regulation of blood glucose.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Hormonal regulation of blood glucose metabolism helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding insulin's role is fundamental to managing Diabetes Mellitus, where there is either a deficiency of insulin (Type 1) or resistance to its effects (Type 2), leading to hyperglycemia.
Nurses administer insulin to diabetic patients to mimic the body's natural process of lowering blood glucose and converting it to glycogen.
Monitoring for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a critical nursing intervention after insulin administration, as an overdose or improper timing can lead to a dangerous drop in glucose levels.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'hormone', 'converts Glucose to Glycogen'.
This points to the process of glycogenesis, the formation of glycogen from glucose.
Recall the major hormones involved in blood sugar regulation.
Analyze the options: Insulin is known to lower blood sugar by promoting glucose storage. Glucagon does the opposite. Thyroxin affects metabolism, and Heparin is an anticoagulant.
Based on this, conclude that Insulin is the only hormone listed that facilitates the conversion of glucose to glycogen.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QtsOXzIUWIOEMicQYyRkSm

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) p. 305-307

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 5-7

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.