We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Relationship between Glucagon and Diabetes?

Marjorie McAtee
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,775
Share

Glucagon and diabetes are connected because glucagon is one of the hormones that the body produces to control blood sugar levels. The pancreas is responsible for producing glucagon and another hormone, insulin. Insulin helps the body use or store glucose, or blood sugar, while glucagon causes stored glucose to be released back into the blood. In healthy people, the release of these two hormones is how the body keeps blood sugar at normal levels.

Diabetes treatments with synthetic insulin can cause blood sugar to drop dangerously low, a condition known as hypoglycemia. The connection between glucagon and diabetes can be found when low blood sugar levels occur. When this occurs, the pancreas produces glucagon, stimulating the release of more glucose from the liver. Though high glucose levels in the blood can be dangerous, too little glucose in the blood is often considered more dangerous, since it can lead quickly to unconsciousness and death. Some researchers believe that the body's production of glucagon and diabetes occurrence may be related, on the theory that chronically elevated glucagon levels in the body could interfere with the body's production of, or ability to use, insulin.

Type 1 diabetics, who usually develop the disease early in life, suffer from an inability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetics, who usually develop the disease in late adulthood, often produce insulin, but their bodies typically lose the ability to use it to regulate blood sugar levels. If the body does not secrete or cannot use insulin, then blood sugar levels will generally remain abnormally high, leading to symptoms of diabetes. Synthetic insulin is normally used to treat type 1 diabetes, while type 2 diabetics may receive medications designed to help their bodies use insulin more efficiently. Doctors have capitalized on the connection between glucagon and diabetes by using glucagon to treat episodes of low blood sugar in diabetics.

If a diabetic person detects the symptoms of low blood sugar before consciousness is lost, a small snack can usually help to raise blood sugar levels back to within the safety zone. If the person loses consciousness, however, a synthetic glucagon injection can be administered to raise blood sugar levels. Diet, exercise and insulin therapy should generally still be used to help prevent excessively high blood sugar levels.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Marjorie McAtee
By Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-relationship-between-glucagon-and-diabetes.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.