Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which of the following actions does exenatide promote?

1. Increased glucagon release

2. Promote insulin release

3. Accelerate gastric emptying

4. Enhance vitamin absorption

The correct answer is: Promote insulin release

Exenatide is a medication belonging to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Its primary mechanism of action involves promoting insulin release from the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. This insulinotropic effect helps improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, exenatide reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying, which can further contribute to its effects on postprandial blood sugar levels. In the context of the other options, exenatide does not stimulate glucagon release, as that would counteract its insulin-promoting effects. It also does not accelerate gastric emptying; in fact, one of its actions is to slow this process to help regulate blood sugar spikes after meals. Furthermore, while exenatide does not have a direct role in enhancing vitamin absorption, it affects digestion and metabolism, which can indirectly influence nutrient absorption but not as a primary effect. Thus, the correct response highlights that exenatide specifically promotes insulin release, supporting its role in managing type 2 diabetes effectively.