Glucagon

/ɡlˈuːkəɡən/

/ɡlˈuːkəɡˌɑːn/

[noun]

Glucagon

[NOUN]

a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver

What is "glucagon"?

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It acts to increase glucose levels in the bloodstream by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which can be released into the bloodstream for energy. Glucagon plays a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar balance and preventing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Examples

1. Glucagon has almost the opposite function of insulin.

2. So glucagon is decreasing appetite.

3. Glycaemia or blood sugar decreases, insulin plummets, and three hormones take over, adrenaline, glucagon and the growth hormone.

4. It's called glucagon.