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BLOG ONSEN® / About health

Glucagon – meaning, action, deficiency, excess

2 września 2020
Glucagon, glycogen, glycogenolysis, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetes
Contents
Glukagon – meaning
Glukagon – action
Glukagon – deficiency
Glukagon – excess
Glukagon – sleep comfort
Glucagon, an incredibly important blood sugar-regulating hormone, is another in a series of hormones described by experts collaborating with ONSEN® in response to requests from readers of the best sleep blog.

As with almost every hormone, even the slightest disruption in glucagon levels can result in imbalances in the entire hormonal system. Our biopsychosocial functioning during the day and our ability to have comfortable and restorative sleep at night depend on this system.

Therefore, it is crucial to know not only what glucagon is but also how it works. This way, one can anticipate the potential consequences of glucagon deficiency or excess and identify any symptoms of illness early on.
Glucagon, blood sugar, pancreas, pancreatic hormone

Glukagon – meaning

Glucagon is a peptide hormone produced by alpha cells of the pancreas, often referred to as "A cells." It is one of the key regulators of carbohydrate metabolism and plays a significant role in maintaining the proper blood glucose level.

In general, glucagon plays the opposite role to insulin, which typically lowers the blood glucose concentration. Its action is based on raising the level of glucose in the blood. When the glucose level is low, for example, due to hunger or physical exertion, glucagon is released from the pancreas and interacts with receptors on liver cells to increase it.
Glucagon, glycogen, glycogenolysis, diabetes treatment

Glukagon – action

Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone responsible mainly for glycogenolysis, which is a complex process in which glycogen, the stored sugar in the liver, is broken down into glucose and then released into the bloodstream. As a result, glucose is supplied to various tissues and organs, providing them with an energy source. Without glucagon, this would not be possible.

In principle, the action of glucagon is closely related to the stimulation of gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose from other substances, such as amino acids or glycerol. This process primarily takes place in the liver and allows for the production of glucose even when we avoid it in our diet. However, glucagon also affects fat metabolism. It activates lipolysis, the breakdown of fats into fatty acids, which can be used as an alternative energy source. An increase in glucagon concentration inhibits the synthesis and storage of fats.

The impact of glucagon on the human body is not limited to regulating blood glucose levels. Glucagon can also affect the secretion of other hormones, such as somatostatin, which influences the inhibition of insulin secretion. This is crucial for individuals with diabetes and metabolic disorders, as well as for healthy individuals.
Insulin, glucagon, blood glucose, glycogen, diabetes pad

Glukagon – deficiency

A deficiency of glucagon can be associated with issues related to the pancreas or liver. The most commonly observed causes of glucagon deficiency are:
  • damage or improper functioning of the pancreas;
  • congenital abnormalities of the pancreas;
  • pancreatic tumor.
A persistently low level of glucagon in the blood is not desirable. The most frequently reported effects of glucagon deficiency include:
  • hypoglycemia;
  • metabolic disorders affecting glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis;
  • weakening of the body's ability to respond properly to decreased blood glucose levels;
  • changes in body weight.
Pancreatic cancer, metabolism, diabetes, gland damage, liver tumor

Glukagon – excess

An excess of glucagon is most commonly associated with issues in the hormonal system. The most frequently reported causes of glucagon excess are:
  • glucagon overproduction syndrome;
  • pancreatic tumor, especially glucagonoma;
  • type 2 diabetes.
A persistently high level of glucagon in the blood is not desirable. The most frequently reported effects of glucagon excess include:
  • hyperglycemia;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • metabolic syndrome;
  • pancreatic damage.
Metabolic syndrome, somatostatin, glycogenolysis, glucagon

Glukagon – sleep comfort

Collaborating with ONSEN®, health and rehabilitation psychologist, Mateusz Nesterok, points out that glucagon affects blood glucose levels, which are associated with mood and mental regulation. Sudden changes in blood sugar can lead to mood swings, such as irritability, anxiety, or fatigue. Prolonged instability in recorded blood glucose levels can directly influence our well-being and emotions, potentially leading to noticeable emotional tension.

There are suggestions that glucagon may have an indirect impact on sleep through its influence on maintaining blood glucose levels and the functioning of the nervous system. The main mechanism by which glucagon may affect sleep hygiene is related to its interaction with blood sugar levels. Fluctuations in glucose levels, especially rapid ones, can affect the ability to fall asleep and the overall sleep quality. Low glucose levels, particularly before sleep, may lead to unstable sleep and even nocturnal awakenings.

Maintaining an optimal level of glucagon in the blood promotes comfortable, healthy sleep. Achieving this requires a functional mattress that provides ideal body support and spinal alignment. Maintaining the physiological curves of the spine during sleep and allowing the body to fully relax have a beneficial effect on all body systems, including the hormonal system.

ONSEN® offers the Osaka Air mattress, which is the most functional mattress available on the market. Its jobs to be done are to meet the users' needs and to effectively solve problems they may have. Thanks to this, it has become a cult product that fulfills all 10 basic mattress functionalities and allows for comfortable and healthy sleep. Moreover, like all ONSEN® products, the mattress is covered by even a 15-year warranty, as well as a program allowing for return within 100 days, minimizing the purchase risk to zero.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Diabetes pad, diabetic pillows, diabetes bedding

FAQ: Glucagon

What is glucagon responsible for?

Glucagon is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are low, glucagon stimulates processes that increase blood glucose levels, such as gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis.

What are the effects of glucagon deficiency or low levels?

A deficiency of glucagon can lead to hypoglycemia, which is an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include dizziness, weakness, inability to concentrate, trembling, sweating, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Therefore, having too low levels of glucagon in the blood should be avoided.

What are the effects of excess or high levels of glucagon?

Excess glucagon can lead to hyperglycemia, which is an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood. Symptoms of hyperglycemia may include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and in severe cases, nausea and vomiting. It is important to prevent having excessively high levels of glucagon in the blood.

How to increase glucagon secretion?

Glucagon secretion is typically stimulated by low blood glucose levels, such as after a prolonged period without eating. Physical exercise can also increase glucagon secretion. In the case of difficulties with glucagon deficiency, it is important to consult a doctor.

How to decrease glucagon secretion?

Decreasing glucagon secretion is typically stimulated by high blood glucose levels, such as after a meal. In the case of issues related to excess glucagon levels, it is important to consult a doctor and initiate appropriate treatment.

Contents
Glukagon – meaning
Glukagon – action
Glukagon – deficiency
Glukagon – excess
Glukagon – sleep comfort
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