Which physiologic alteration of pregnancy most significantly affects glucose metabolism?
A) Pancreatic function in the islets of Langerhans is affected by pregnancy.
B) Pregnant women use glucose at a more rapid rate than nonpregnant women.
C) Pregnant women significantly increase their dietary intake.
D) Placental hormones are antagonistic to insulin,thus resulting in insulin resistance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Placental hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and human placental lactogen, are antagonistic to insulin, resulting in insulin resistance. This allows for increased glucose availability to the developing fetus. As a result, pregnant women may experience glucose intolerance or gestational diabetes if their pancreatic function is unable to compensate for this increased insulin resistance. Increases in dietary intake or a higher rate of glucose utilization alone are not the primary factors affecting glucose metabolism during pregnancy.

Which Physiologic Alteration of Pregnancy Most Significantly Affects Glucose Metabolism