What is the name of the somatostatin analog that is a potent insulin inhibitor?

The correct answer is octreotide, which is a synthetic analog of somatostatin. Octreotide is particularly effective in inhibiting the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, making it a potent insulin inhibitor. The mechanism of action involves binding to somatostatin receptors, which then decreases the release of various hormones, including insulin.

Octreotide is commonly used in various clinical settings, such as managing acromegaly, gastrointestinal disorders, and hormone-secreting tumors. Its insulin-inhibiting properties can be especially beneficial in certain medical conditions where reduction of insulin levels is necessary.

In contrast, lanreotide is also a somatostatin analog but is primarily used for the treatment of acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors and is less frequently associated with significant insulin inhibition compared to octreotide. Vasopressin is a hormone with different functions related to water retention and blood pressure regulation, and it does not have a significant role in modulating insulin secretion. Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases insulin secretion in response to meals and is utilized in the management of type 2 diabetes, opposing the action of somatostatin analogs like octreotide.