Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What is the expected result of a decrease in cortisol levels in the body?

1. Hyperglycemia

2. Hypoglycemia

3. Increased energy levels

4. Enhanced immune response

The correct answer is: Hypoglycemia

A decrease in cortisol levels in the body typically results in hypoglycemia. Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, plays a key role in glucose metabolism. It helps to maintain blood sugar levels during fasting or stress by promoting gluconeogenesis, which is the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, and inhibiting insulin secretion. When cortisol levels drop, this regulatory effect diminishes, resulting in a reduced ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Consequently, this can lead to hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood. In contrast, hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar, is more often associated with elevated cortisol levels or conditions like diabetes where insulin resistance is present. While energy levels may fluctuate, without adequate cortisol, the body might not tap into glycogen reserves effectively, leading to feelings of fatigue instead of increased energy. Lastly, cortisol has immunosuppressive effects; a decrease in cortisol could lead to a less enhanced immune response, as the body is less prepared to respond to stressors without the regulatory support of cortisol.