Endocrine Weight Loss Insulin Resistance and Weight Management

Question 1

Which tissue is the primary site of insulin-mediated glucose uptake in the postprandial state?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle

Answer

Skeletal muscle accounts for approximately 75–80% of insulin-stimulated glucose disposal after a meal due to its large mass and GLUT4-mediated uptake.

Question 2

Visceral adiposity promotes insulin resistance primarily through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Elevated release of free fatty acids and pro-inflammatory cytokines into portal circulation

Answer

Visceral fat drains via the portal vein, delivering excess free fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) directly to the liver, impairing insulin signaling.

Question 3

The HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) is calculated using:

Accepted Answer

Fasting glucose × fasting insulin ÷ 22.5

Answer

HOMA-IR = (fasting glucose in mmol/L × fasting insulin in mIU/L) ÷ 22.5; higher values indicate greater insulin resistance.

Question 4

Which dyslipidemia pattern is most characteristically associated with insulin resistance?

Accepted Answer

Low HDL, elevated triglycerides, and small dense LDL particles

Answer

Insulin resistance drives overproduction of VLDL, resulting in hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL, and a predominance of small, dense LDL particles—the atherogenic dyslipidemia triad.

Question 5

Metformin promotes weight-neutral or mild weight loss in insulin-resistant patients primarily through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Reducing hepatic glucose output and improving insulin sensitivity without hypoglycemia

Answer

Metformin primarily suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis via AMPK activation, reduces hyperinsulinemia, and may mildly reduce appetite, contributing to weight neutrality or modest loss.

Endocrine Weight Loss Practice Test

Endocrine Weight Loss Practice Test

Endocrine Weight Loss Insulin Resistance and Weight Management