If a patient has chronically elevated cortisol levels due to adrenal gland hyperactivity, which effect dominates over the long term?

💡 Explanation

Chronically elevated cortisol results in impaired glucose tolerance because cortisol antagonizes insulin signaling, promoting gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance. Therefore, hyperglycemia is a likely outcome, rather than increased muscle mass or enhanced immunity, which are acute responses, or increased calcium absorption.

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