Which medication is often used to control blood glucose levels by suppressing insulin secretion?

Study for the American Board of Obesity Medicine Exam. Master multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Enhance your test readiness!

The correct choice is Octreotide. Octreotide is a synthetic analog of somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits various endocrine functions, including the suppression of insulin secretion. This medication is primarily used in the management of conditions such as acromegaly and certain types of hormone-secreting tumors, as it can reduce excess hormone levels by suppressing their release. When treating patients with diabetes, particularly those with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, Octreotide can be beneficial due to its ability to reduce insulin production, thereby aiding in the control of blood glucose levels.

In contrast, Metformin primarily works by reducing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin used to maintain steady blood glucose levels by directly providing exogenous insulin. Glyburide, a sulfonylurea medication, stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas, which directly increases insulin levels in response to glucose. Thus, while Metformin, Insulin glargine, and Glyburide work to manage blood glucose levels, they do so by enhancing insulin secretion or sensitivity rather than suppressing it. This highlights the unique mechanism of Octreotide in controlling blood glucose.

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