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Glucagon is a hormone produced by the islet cells of the pancreas. It has an antagonistic effect in relation to insulin. Glucagon is released when glucose levels decrease and amino acid levels increase. Increases glycogenolysis and lipolysis.
What is glucagon?
Glucagon is a hormone produced by the endocrine part of the pancreas, and is precisely produced by the α cells of the pancreatic islets (the so-called Langerhans islets). It belongs to the group of polypeptide hormones. The task of this hormone is to increase the concentration of glucose in the blood, thanks to the breakdown of glycogen (stored mainly in the liver) into glucose (it works the opposite of insulin – it increases blood sugar levels). Glucagon also affects the metabolism of fats in adipose tissue or the liver, causes their breakdown (lipolysis) into fatty acids and increases their oxygenation. Glucagon travels from the pancreas to the liver through the portal vein. It is then absorbed almost completely in the liver, so that very little is left in the blood. Glucagon production increases when we are hungry.
What inhibits the secretion of glucagon?
High blood glucose is the main factor in inhibiting glucagon secretion. Subsequently, we can talk about an increased concentration of free fatty acids, ketone bodies, insulin, secretin, and also somatostatin.
What factors stimulate the secretion of glucagon?
- stress,
- low blood glucose,
- the presence of gastrin (a hormone of the digestive system),
- presence of glucogenic amino acids,
- intense physical activity.
When do we do the glucagon test?
The most common indications for a glucagon test are listed below.
- Suspicion of a glucagon-secreting tumor. Diagnostics: medullary thyroid neoplasm, pheochromocytoma and adrenal tumor.
- Presence of diabetes mellitus with creeping necrotic erythema.
- In people who have low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia).
- In people who experience rapid weight loss of unknown origin.
- The occurrence of a migratory rash on the skin (so-called creeping necrotic erythema).
Glucagon – study
Material for testing glucagon: serum.
Preparation for the test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).
The course of the study: one-time blood sampling from the ulnar vein after disinfecting the puncture site. In young children or infants, blood is collected by making a lancet incision into the skin until the blood flows out. Then the resulting material is applied to a special strip or taken into a pipette. Glucagon levels are measured by radioimmunoassay
Waiting time for glucagon result: 1 Day.
Standard: less than 150 ng / l.
Comments: Glucagon stimulates the secretion of catecholamines and calcitonin, therefore it is used in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid cancer. Glucagon-producing tumors in the pancreas or duodenum can also secrete vasoactive intestinal peptide.
What are the proper glucagon standards?
The correct value of glucagon is assumed to be the concentration of the hormone glucagon at the level of: less than 150 ng / l.
The desired rate is 50-100ng / l. Glucagon is mostly absorbed by the liver and is therefore present in the blood in small amounts. Note: In any case, the test result should be consulted with your doctor.
Elevated levels of glucagon
High glucagon levels may suggest:
- cirrhosis,
- pancreatic cancer
- severe ketoacidosis,
- heart failure
- Cushing’s disease,
- sepsis,
- inflammation of the pancreas,
- acute or chronic renal failure,
- severe injuries,
- non-ketone hyperosmolar coma during diabetes,
- eating high-protein foods,
- condition after complete or nearly complete removal of the stomach,
- treatment with glucocorticosteroids,
- visceral diseases,
- sepsis (sepsis),
- glucagonomy,
- acromegaly,
- type III and IV hyperlipidemia,
- pheochromocytoma.
Excessive secretion of glucagon is related to the excessive action of acetylcholine, cholecystokinin and an increase in the level of catecholamines – adrenaline and noradrenaline. The high concentration of amino acids in the plasma is also of great importance.
High glucagon levels may also suggest the presence of multiple type I adenomatosis.
Low glucagon levels
The low secretion of glucagon is altered by the presence of a large amount of free fatty acids and ketone acids in the blood, but also by an increase in urea production. Low levels of glucagon are most common in mothers with diabetes and in newborns.
Glucagon as a rescue kit
People with diabetes may ask their doctor for a glucagon prescription to be administered when blood glucose levels drop rapidly. The package contains a liquid and a powder that must be dissolved in the liquid before taking. In addition, the set includes a syringe and needle. Before administering glucagon, the suspension should be prepared. For this, it is necessary to draw the liquid into the syringe and then introduce a large part of it into the powder packet so that it can dissolve. Subsequently, with a syringe, draw the mixture and shake it to mix the whole mixture well. Remember to disinfect the injection site (most often your thigh or arm) before giving the injection. After injecting the contents of the syringe, the patient should be turned on his side, as the administration of glucagon may provoke vomiting.
The effect of glucagon is approximately 90 minutes.