Question

An insulinoma is a cancerous mass of pancreatic beta cells that secrete insulin but do not respond to feedback mechanisms. How would you expect an insulinoma to affect blood glucose levels and liver activity?

Short answer

An insulinoma affects blood glucose levels and liver activity when the excess insulin production triggers blood glucose levels to decrease lower than normal physiological levels and causes the production of glycogen in the liver.

Step-by-step solution

Insulinoma

Insulinoma is a pancreatic tumor that will promote the production of pancreatic glucagon from alpha cells and stimulate the breakdown of glycogen. Thereby, it has antagonistic effects on the liver.

Insulin and glucagon

Insulin and glucagon act together in controlling blood sugar levels where glucagon interacts with the liver to increase levels of blood sugar, whereas insulin declines blood sugar levels.

These hormones will regulate glycogen synthesis. The hormones insulin and glucagon control the synthesis and breakdown of glycogen breakdown and cause regulating the availability of glucose.

Effects of low blood sugar

Insulin production from the pancreas is responsible for balancing blood sugar levels. Insulinomas produce extra insulin (more than the use of the body) and cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia may lead to weakness, confusion, fast heartbeat, coma, or even death.

Several hormones, including insulin, play a major role in controlling appetite by affecting the brain’s satiety center. The excess production of insulin will lead to the decline of blood glucose levels.