nounIntermediate
Definition
29-amino-acid peptide hormone produced by pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Detailed Explanation

29-amino-acid peptide hormone produced by pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Glucagon is the metabolic counterpart to insulin: insulin lowers glucose, glucagon raises it. Glucagon emergency kits are used to treat severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) was named for its structural similarity to glucagon — both are derived from the proglucagon gene. Dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonists (survodutide, cotadutide) are in development for obesity and liver disease.

Key Facts

  • 29-amino-acid peptide hormone produced by pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
  • Glucagon is the metabolic counterpart to insulin: insulin lowers glucose, glucagon raises it.
  • Glucagon emergency kits are used to treat severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.
  • GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) was named for its structural similarity to glucagon — both are derived from the proglucagon gene.
  • Dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonists (survodutide, cotadutide) are in development for obesity and liver disease.
Related Terms Insulin GLP-1 Hormone Incretin

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