Reiko feels hungry often and tends to overeat as a result. Reiko's physician explained to her that her blood sugar level is currently very high, and this has been known to cause an increase in a particular hormone, which can result in increased appetite and the tendency to overeat. The hormone that appears to be causing Reiko to overeat is called

• A. glucagon.
• B. leptin.
• C. insulin.
• D. glucose.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of insulin in the body: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.
2. Recognize the relationship between insulin and appetite: High levels of insulin can lead to increased hunger and overeating because insulin affects the brain's regulation of appetite.
3. Consider the context of Reiko's condition: Reiko's physician mentioned that her blood sugar level is very high, which suggests that her body might be producing more insulin to manage this excess glucose.
4. Identify the hormone linked to Reiko's symptoms: Given the information about high blood sugar and increased appetite, insulin is the hormone that fits this description, as it is directly involved in glucose regulation and can influence hunger.
5. Conclude that insulin is the correct answer: Based on the understanding of insulin's function and its effects on appetite, it is reasonable to conclude that insulin is the hormone causing Reiko to overeat.