Understanding Glucagon: Sources, Functions, and Effects on Health

May 9, 2025

Have you ever experienced that mid-morning slump, that dip in energy that makes you reach for a snack? Or perhaps you're curious about the science behind blood sugar balance? While most of you are familiar with insulin, there's another vital hormone working quietly in the background to keep your body's energy supply balanced: Glucagon.

This blog ventures into the fascinating world of glucagon. You'll explore the primary glucagon source within your body, uncover its essential functions, and learn what happens when this hormone isn't working. So, let's get your sugar and energy levels in control with glucagon!

What is glucagon?

Glucagon is a natural peptide hormone produced by the pancreas. The hormone's primary role is to raise blood glucose levels when they fall too low, ensuring that your body has a consistent energy supply.

While a drop in blood sugar levels can initiate the release of glucagon into your bloodstream, the following are the main triggers:

Prolonged fasting
Physical activity
Consuming a protein-rich meal

However, glucagon does not work alone. It acts as the counter-regulatory hormone to insulin, another hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. While glucagon works to increase blood sugar levels, insulin lowers blood glucose levels by allowing cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream for energy or storage.

This delicate balance maintained by these two hormones is essential for stable energy levels and overall metabolic harmony in the body.

Now that you know what glucagon is, let's dig deeper into where it actually comes from.

Sources of glucagon

Unlike vitamins or minerals, glucagon isn't something you directly consume in your diet. Instead, it is naturally produced within your body, specifically by the alpha cells located in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.

These alpha cells are specialised endocrine cells that work as tiny glucose sensors. They are exquisitely sensitive to the levels of glucose circulating in your blood. When your blood glucose levels drop, these alpha cells act swiftly, getting stimulated to release glucagon directly into your bloodstream.

While your body is the natural glucagon source, glucagon is also available in manufactured forms:

Injections
Nasal powders

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes find these manufactured forms particularly important during emergencies. Glucagon injections prompt the liver to quickly release stored glucose when you experience severe hypoglycemia and cannot elevate your blood sugar through normal means, like eating. This rapid action helps avert health crises.

Also read: Probiotic Foods for Diabetes: Benefits and Sources

With the sources sorted out, let’s chat about what makes glucagon truly fascinating—its functions!

What are the primary functions of glucagon?

Your pancreas acts as the blood sugar control system, constantly monitoring glucose levels and releasing the right hormones at the right time. When your blood glucose level dips, your pancreas releases more glucagon to help correct the balance.

This hormone triggers several processes that collectively raise blood glucose levels:

Unlocks stored glucose: Glucagon acts as a signal to your liver, prompting it to convert its stored form of glucose, called glycogen, into a usable form of glucose. The liver then releases this newly converted glucose directly into your bloodstream, leading to a rise in blood sugar levels.
Keeps glucose in circulation: Glucagon also helps prevent your liver from taking in more glucose. It signals the liver to reduce its uptake and storage of glucose from the bloodstream. This action ensures that more of the available glucose remains circulating in your blood, contributing to an increase in overall blood sugar levels.
Creates new glucose: When glycogen stores are low, glucagon can stimulate your liver to produce new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, through a process called gluconeogenesis. This newly synthesised glucose is then released into the bloodstream, further raising blood sugar levels.

Like how the pancreas releases glucagon to raise blood sugar, it also releases insulin when blood glucose levels rise too high, such as after a meal. This ensures a balanced and responsive system.

Do you have the habit of staying up late at night? Chances are high that it can disrupt your blood sugar levels. Watch the video below to know why.

So, you know how glucagon functions, but what happens when things go wrong with glucagon production?

How does glucagon function affect your health?

Too little or too much of any hormone can throw the body's delicate balance off-kilter, and glucagon is no exception. Issues with glucagon function can indeed lead to several health problems:

Diabetes: Glucagon plays a significant role in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Often, the alpha cells that produce glucagon are also affected, leading to an inadequate glucagon response when blood sugar levels drop. This impaired counter-regulatory mechanism can increase the risk and severity of hypoglycemia.
- In type 2 diabetes, while insulin resistance is the primary issue, many individuals also experience elevated glucagon levels relative to their blood glucose. This inappropriate secretion of glucagon can contribute to higher fasting blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) by promoting the excessive release of glucose from the liver.

Pancreatitis: The inflammation of the pancreas can impede normal glucagon release, disrupting blood sugar balance. If diabetes develops as a result of pancreatitis and requires insulin treatment, a concurrent glucagon deficiency can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Glucagonoma: This is a rare tumor that develops in the alpha cells of the pancreas. These tumors produce excessive amounts of glucagon, leading to a condition known as glucagonoma syndrome, characterised by high blood sugar levels, weight loss, and a distinctive skin rash.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN): This is a group of rare genetic disorders that can cause tumors in multiple endocrine glands, including the pancreas. This can potentially affect glucagon production.
Pancreatectomy: After a pancreatectomy (surgical removal of the pancreas), glucagon production can be compromised, leaving patients at risk of severe low blood sugar if counterregulation fails.

Next, let’s explore some tell-tale signs your body might be sending when things go awry.

Symptoms of glucagon-related disorders

Understanding the symptoms related to glucagon disorders can be pivotal in managing and addressing health issues promptly. Abnormal glucagon levels can manifest in two primary forms: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Hypoglycemia symptoms

When glucagon function is impaired and unable to raise blood sugar levels, or when there's an overproduction of insulin without a sufficient glucagon response, you might experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, which can include:

Shaking or trembling
Sweating and chills
Dizziness or lightheadedness
A rapid heartbeat
Intense hunger
Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Hyperglycemia symptoms

Conditions that lead to excessive glucagon production or when glucagon's effects are not properly countered by insulin can result in hyperglycemia. The symptoms of high blood sugar can develop more gradually and may include:

Increased thirst and hunger
Blurred vision
Frequent urination
Headaches

Also read: Kombucha: Is It a Good Choice for Diabetes?

Wondering what normal glucagon levels look like or if yours should be on your radar?

What are the normal glucagon levels?

Glucagon levels, typically measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL), are a key marker of metabolic health. In adults, normal fasting glucagon levels typically range from 50 to 100 pg/mL, although laboratory results may vary slightly due to differences in testing methods.

It's crucial to note that glucagon levels are not static; they are dynamic and constantly fluctuate throughout the day in response to your body's energy needs. After a meal, when blood glucose rises, glucagon levels typically decrease. Conversely, during fasting or periods of low blood sugar, glucagon levels increase, signalling the liver to release stored glucose.

Monitor these fluctuations regularly and consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

Frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, especially if you have diabetes. An impaired glucagon response in these situations can be dangerous.
Symptoms suggestive of glucagonoma include a persistent and characteristic rash (necrolytic migratory erythema), unexplained weight loss, and abdominal issues. While rare, these symptoms warrant medical evaluation.
Difficulties in managing your blood sugar levels, even if you don't have diagnosed diabetes. This could indicate an underlying issue with glucose regulation, potentially involving glucagon.

Your doctor can recommend specialised blood tests and other relevant lab analyses to check your glucagon levels and investigate any underlying conditions that might be affecting its production or function. These tests, in conjunction with your medical history and symptoms, will help in an accurate diagnosis and management.

Glucagon is an essential hormone that helps keep your body's energy levels balanced. It plays a vital role in ensuring your brain and body have the fuel they need to function optimally throughout the day. If you have concerns about regulating your blood sugar, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. Specialists can offer guidance and ensure your hormonal functions remain in tip-top shape.

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