Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Resource.

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and its primary action in diabetes treatment is to increase insulin secretion from beta cells in response to elevated blood glucose levels. When blood sugar levels rise, liraglutide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps lower blood glucose levels. This mechanism is particularly effective because it occurs in a glucose-dependent manner, meaning that when blood sugar levels are normal or low, liraglutide does not stimulate excessive insulin secretion, thus reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.

In addition to enhancing insulin secretion, liraglutide also suppresses glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety, which can contribute to weight loss—a beneficial effect for many individuals with type 2 diabetes. The correct answer highlights the crucial role that increased insulin secretion plays in managing blood glucose levels effectively.

The other options do not accurately reflect the action of liraglutide. For instance, decreasing insulin secretion or having no effect on insulin production contradict the known pharmacological effects of liraglutide, while inhibiting glucose absorption relates more closely to other types of diabetes medications, such as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.