It is produced by the alpha cells , found in the islets of Langerhans , in the pancreas , from where it is released into the bloodstream. The glucagon-secreting alpha cells surround the insulin -secreting beta cells, which reflects the close relationship between the two hormones. To do this, it acts on the liver in several ways:. Glucagon also acts on adipose tissue to stimulate the breakdown of fat stores into the bloodstream. Glucagon works along with the hormone insulin to control blood sugar levels and keep them within set levels.
Glucagon is released to stop blood sugar levels dropping too low hypoglycaemia , while insulin is released to stop blood sugar levels rising too high hyperglycaemia. The release of glucagon is stimulated by low blood glucose, protein -rich meals and adrenaline another important hormone for combating low glucose. The release of glucagon is prevented by raised blood glucose and carbohydrate in meals, detected by cells in the pancreas.
For example, it encourages the use of stored fat for energy in order to preserve the limited supply of glucose. A rare tumour of the pancreas called a glucagonoma can secrete excessive quantities of glucagon. Unusual cases of deficiency of glucagon secretion have been reported in babies.
This results in severely low blood glucose which cannot be controlled without administering glucagon. Glucagon can be given by injection to restore blood glucose lowered by insulin even in unconscious patients. It can increase glucose release from glycogen stores more than insulin can suppress it.
The effect of glucagon is limited, so it is very important to eat a carbohydrate meal once the person has recovered enough to eat safely. About Contact Events News.
Search Search. You and Your Hormones. Students Teachers Patients Browse. Human body. Most of this glucose is sent into your bloodstream, causing a rise in blood glucose levels. This increase in blood glucose signals your pancreas to produce insulin. The insulin tells cells throughout your body to take in glucose from your bloodstream. As the glucose moves into your cells, your blood glucose levels go down. Some cells use the glucose as energy.
Other cells, such as in your liver and muscles, store any excess glucose as a substance called glycogen. Your body uses glycogen for fuel between meals. Read more: Simple vs. About four to six hours after you eat, the glucose levels in your blood decrease, triggering your pancreas to produce glucagon.
This hormone signals your liver and muscle cells to change the stored glycogen back into glucose. These cells then release the glucose into your bloodstream so your other cells can use it for energy.
This whole feedback loop with insulin and glucagon is constantly in motion. It keeps your blood sugar levels from dipping too low, ensuring that your body has a steady supply of energy. Diabetes mellitus is the best known condition that causes problems with blood sugar balance. Diabetes refers to a group of diseases. And when the system is thrown out of balance, it can lead to dangerous levels of glucose in your blood.
Of the two main types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes is the less common form. As a result, you must take insulin every day. For more information, read about the complications of type 1 diabetes. Learn more: Everything you need to know about insulin ».
Over time, type 2 diabetes makes your body produce less insulin, which further raises your blood sugar levels. Some women develop gestational diabetes late in their pregnancies.
In gestational diabetes, pregnancy-related hormones may interfere with how insulin works. This condition normally disappears after the pregnancy ends. As a result, your blood glucose levels are raised, though not as high as they would be if you had type 2 diabetes. Many people who have prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Knowing how your body works can help you stay healthy. Insulin and glucagon are two critical hormones your body makes to keep your blood sugar levels balanced.
If you have more questions about insulin, glucagon, and blood glucose, talk to your doctor. Questions you have might include:. Diabetes hinders your ability to produce insulin. Without it, cells are starved for energy and must seek an alternate source, leading to serious…. A random glucose test is a random blood test to check glucose levels.
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