Glucagon activation is primarily triggered by low blood glucose levels. This process is a crucial part of the body's mechanism to maintain blood sugar balance. However, it's important to differentiate between the natural activation of glucagon by the body and the artificial activation via injection for treating hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Natural Activation of Glucagon
The pancreas releases glucagon in response to several factors:
- Low blood glucose: This is the primary trigger. When blood sugar drops too low, specialized cells in the pancreas detect this and release glucagon into the bloodstream. [Reference: The release of glucagon is stimulated by low blood glucose, protein-rich meals and adrenaline (another important hormone for combating low glucose).]
- Protein-rich meals: Consuming a protein-rich meal also stimulates glucagon release. [Reference: The release of glucagon is stimulated by low blood glucose, protein-rich meals and adrenaline (another important hormone for combating low glucose).]
- Adrenaline: This hormone, released during stress or "fight or flight" response, also contributes to glucagon release. [Reference: The release of glucagon is stimulated by low blood glucose, protein-rich meals and adrenaline (another important hormone for combating low glucose).]
Conversely, factors that inhibit glucagon release include:
- High blood glucose: Elevated blood sugar levels signal the pancreas to stop releasing glucagon. [Reference: The release of glucagon is prevented by raised blood glucose and carbohydrate in meals, detected by cells in the pancreas.]
- Carbohydrate-rich meals: Similar to high blood glucose, carbohydrates suppress glucagon release. [Reference: The release of glucagon is prevented by raised blood glucose and carbohydrate in meals, detected by cells in the pancreas.]
Artificial Activation of Glucagon (Medical Intervention)
For individuals experiencing severe hypoglycemia, glucagon is administered as an injection. This is an external method to quickly raise blood sugar levels.
- Emergency Glucagon Injection Kits: These kits contain a pre-filled syringe or pen containing glucagon, ready for immediate use. Instructions are usually provided with the kit on how to reconstitute the powder (if applicable) and administer the injection. [Reference: How to give an emergency glucagon injection · Take the cap off of the glass vial with the glucagon powder (see Figure 2). · Push the needle into… (from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/glucagon-emergency-kit-low-blood-sugar-glucagon-injection)]
- Specific Administration Instructions: Instructions vary depending on the specific product (e.g., Gvoke HypoPen, pre-filled syringes). Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. [Reference: Instructions for Use - Glucagon Emergency Kit (from https://www.glucagonemergencykit.com/index.php/instructions-for-use/) and How To Use Gvoke HypoPen® & Gvoke® PFS (pre-filled syringe … (from https://www.gvokeglucagon.com/how-to-use)]
Glucagon's role is to increase blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. [Reference: Glucagon is a glucoregulatory peptide hormone that counteracts the actions of insulin by stimulating hepatic glucose production and thereby increases blood sugar… (from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279127/)]
