High levels of glucose during fetal development result in elevated levels of which substance that prevents endogenous glucose mobilization?

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During fetal development, when high levels of glucose are present, insulin secretion increases significantly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Its primary function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose into cells, particularly in muscle and adipose tissue, and also to promote the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen in the liver. By increasing its levels, insulin effectively acts to lower blood sugar levels and prevent the mobilization of glucose from other sources, such as the liver.

In the context of fetal development, insulin plays a critical role in ensuring that the fetus receives sufficient energy and nutrients for growth. High insulin levels promote the storage of glucose, lipids, and amino acids, which are vital for fetal development. This action inhibits endogenous glucose mobilization processes, which would otherwise release glucose from stores in the liver, leading to potential complications in fetal growth.

Other hormones like glucagon, cortisol, and adrenaline serve different roles in metabolic regulation, particularly during stress or low blood sugar states, and they are not primarily responsible for regulating glucose levels in the high-glucose environment seen during fetal development. Therefore, the presence of high glucose levels leads to elevated insulin, making this the correct response to the question.

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