Which statement about the metabolic actions of glucocorticoids is accurate?

Which statement about the metabolic actions of glucocorticoids is accurate?

• A. They regulate carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
• B. They primarily increase immune responses.
• C. They reduce glucose production in the liver.
• D. They have no effect on mineral balance.

Answer: (A)

Glucocorticoids have a broad effect on metabolism, shaping how carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are processed. They stimulate gluconeogenesis in the liver, increasing glucose production, and they promote proteolysis in muscle to provide amino acids for glucose synthesis, while also mobilizing fatty acids from adipose tissue. This coordinated action shifts energy use to maintain adequate blood glucose during stress, so their metabolic role spans all three macronutrient pathways. They do not primarily enhance immune responses; in fact, they are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive. They also don't reduce glucose production; they raise it. Additionally, they influence mineral balance, contributing to sodium retention and calcium loss, which can impact bone health.

Glucocorticoids have a broad effect on metabolism, shaping how carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are processed. They stimulate gluconeogenesis in the liver, increasing glucose production, and they promote proteolysis in muscle to provide amino acids for glucose synthesis, while also mobilizing fatty acids from adipose tissue. This coordinated action shifts energy use to maintain adequate blood glucose during stress, so their metabolic role spans all three macronutrient pathways. They do not primarily enhance immune responses; in fact, they are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive. They also don't reduce glucose production; they raise it. Additionally, they influence mineral balance, contributing to sodium retention and calcium loss, which can impact bone health.