You are treating a 54-year-old man with extreme abdominal pain. Ultrasonic examination shows enlargement of the pancreas with lobular structures clearly visible. Biopsy of the tissue indicates the patient has a glucagonoma. Which of the following laboratory findings would also be expected in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Glucagonoma is a tumor of the alpha cells of the pancreas that leads to excessive production of glucagon, which in turn causes hyperglycemia, resulting in increased serum glucose concentration.  A glucagonoma is a tumor associated with the α-cells of the pancreas that secrete glucagon. Enhanced secretion of glucagon would lead to an increase in hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogen breakdown. The glucose would then be transported to the blood (resulting in hyperglycemia) preferentially over being oxidized due to the glucagon-mediated inhibition of the glycolytic enzyme, PFK1.

You Are Treating a 54-Year-Old Man with Extreme Abdominal Pain