All you need to know about Glucagon

Glucagon is produced to maintain glucose levels when you’re fasting & to raise low glucose levels. In short, it is the opposite of what insulin does.

Glucagon is produced in alpha cells found in the islets of Langerhens in the pancreas from where it is released into the bloodstream. The glucagon secreting alpha cells surround insulin secreting beta cells which indicates a close relationship between two hormones.

Glucagon’s role in the body is prevent the glucose level in the body going low & impacts liver in the following ways:

1. Through the process called glycogenolysis, this hormone facilitated conversion of stored glycogen into glucose which is then released in the bloodstream to be used by the body as energy.
2. It stimulates production of glucose from amino acid molecules. This process is called gluconeogenesis.
3. It reduces glucose consumption by the liver so that as much as possible glucose can be transported into the bloodstream to maintain stable glucose levels.

Besides, Glucagon also acts as adipose tissue to regulate breakdown of fat stores into the bloodstream. This is the reason Glucagon is considered to be the most vital hormone of the body. 

How does Glucagon work?
About four to six hours after you eat, the glucose levels in your blood decrease, signalling pancreas to produce glucagon. This hormone signals liver and muscle cells to convert the stored glycogen into glucose. These cells then release the glucose into your bloodstream so your other cells can use it for energy.

Glucagon works with the hormone “ Insulin” to regulate the blood sugar level at all times. Glucagon prevents glucose level from dropping too low( Hypoglycemia) & Insulin prevents glucose level from rising to abnormal levels(Hyperglycemia).

The release of Glucagon is stimulated by low glucose protein rich meals & adrenaline( another hormone). The release of Glucagon is prevented by raising glucose & carbohydrate meals in the diet. This is checked by cell in Pancreas. 

If your body has too much of Glucagon, it can cause a rare tumor called glucagonoma which secretes an excess amount of Glucagon & can cause diabetes mellitus, weight loss & skin rashes.

If your body has too little glucagon, it can be increased by injection to restore the blood glucose level lowered by insulin. It can increase glucose release from glycogen stores more than insulin can suppress it.