During illness, what is a common reason for hyperglycemia in diabetes?

• A. Dehydration reduces glucose.
• B. Illness always lowers glucose.
• C. Insulin becomes more effective.
• D. Stress hormones and infection cause increased glucose production.

Answer: (D)

During illness, blood glucose often rises because the body mounts a stress response. Infections and inflammation trigger the release of counterregulatory hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and growth hormone. These hormones signal the liver to produce more glucose through gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, and they also reduce how effectively insulin helps glucose enter cells. The combination drives higher blood sugar levels. Dehydration can accompany illness and may concentrate glucose, but it isn’t the primary reason for the typical rise. Illness and stress generally don’t lower glucose, and insulin is not made more effective—in fact, insulin resistance often increases during illness, requiring adjustments in treatment.