Which hormone release is primarily responsible for the Somogyi effect?

The Somogyi effect, also known as rebound hyperglycemia, occurs when a person's blood glucose levels drop too low during the night, typically due to excessive insulin administration. In response to this drop in glucose, the body releases stress hormones, which include glucagon, adrenaline, and cortisol. These hormones work to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels.

The primary hormone responsible for triggering the physiological response seen in the Somogyi effect is indeed the stress hormones. They can exacerbate the overnight hypoglycemia, leading to elevated blood glucose levels upon wakefulness. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for effective diabetes management and for recognizing patterns in blood glucose fluctuations.