The decrease in insulin needs after birth is due to the loss of which hormone produced by the placenta?

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Multiple Choice

The decrease in insulin needs after birth is due to the loss of which hormone produced by the placenta?

Explanation:
The hormone responsible is human placental lactogen, produced by the placenta. It raises maternal blood glucose by acting as an anti-insulin agent, increasing insulin resistance so more glucose stays in the blood for the fetus. When the placenta is delivered, this hormone is no longer produced, so insulin resistance diminishes and insulin needs decrease. Estrogen and progesterone also fall after birth but aren’t the primary drivers of the immediate drop in insulin requirements, and prolactin is mainly involved with lactation rather than glucose regulation.

The hormone responsible is human placental lactogen, produced by the placenta. It raises maternal blood glucose by acting as an anti-insulin agent, increasing insulin resistance so more glucose stays in the blood for the fetus. When the placenta is delivered, this hormone is no longer produced, so insulin resistance diminishes and insulin needs decrease. Estrogen and progesterone also fall after birth but aren’t the primary drivers of the immediate drop in insulin requirements, and prolactin is mainly involved with lactation rather than glucose regulation.

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