Endocrine System MCAT Practice Question
A 45-year-old woman with a 10-year history of hypertension and obesity (BMI 34 kg/m²) presents to clinic with a 6-month history of increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. She denies recent infections, weight loss, or polyhagia. Vital signs are stable. Laboratory studies show fasting glucose 285 mg/dL, HbA1c 9.2%, and C-peptide 2.4 ng/mL (normal 0.8-3.1). Fasting insulin level is 18 mIU/mL (normal 2-12). Pancreatic imaging is unremarkable. Which of the following best explains her underlying pathophysiology?
Answer choices
- DAcute pancreatic inflammation causing widespread endocrine tissue necrosis
- AAutoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells with loss of insulin secretory capacity
- BProgressive peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance with compensatory beta cell dysfunction and relative insulin deficiencyCorrect answer
- CPrimary alpha cell hyperfunction leading to glucagon excess and unopposed hepatic glucose production
- ESomatostatin-secreting neuroendocrine tumor suppressing both insulin and glucagon secretion
- FImpaired first-phase insulin secretion with normal fasting glucose production
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.