Glucagon: Role, Testing, and Normal Levels

What Is Glucagon?

Glucagon is a hormone made by the pancreas. It helps control your blood sugar by raising the level of glucose in your blood. This is especially important when your blood sugar drops too low, like between meals or during exercise.

Glucagon works mostly on your liver. It tells the liver to release stored sugar and to make new sugar from proteins and fats. This keeps your body energized when you're not eating.

Doctors may look at glucagon levels to understand certain health issues. Abnormal glucagon levels can be linked to blood sugar problems, tumors in the pancreas, or rare metabolic conditions.

When Is Glucagon Testing Recommended?

Glucagon testing isn’t very common, but it can help in specific situations. A healthcare provider might recommend this test when they suspect a problem with how your body manages blood sugar.

Testing may be recommended if you have:

• Severe low blood sugar symptoms without a clear cause
• Suspected glucagonoma, a rare tumor that makes too much glucagon
• Very high blood sugar levels that don’t respond well to usual treatments
• Unexplained weight loss and skin rashes that could suggest a hormone-related condition
• Pancreatic disorders, such as after pancreatitis or surgery

How Is Glucagon Testing Conducted?

Glucagon is usually measured with a blood test. A small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab.

This test is not part of a regular panel like CBC or CMP. It's done only when needed for specific reasons. Some versions of the test may involve measuring how your body reacts to certain hormones, but this depends on the case.

Preparations Before the Test

• You may need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for a few hours before the test.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions about eating, drinking, and medications before testing.
• Let your doctor know if you have any medical conditions or take any supplements.

What Are the Normal Glucagon Levels?

Normal glucagon levels in the blood usually range between:

• 50 to 100 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL)

Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.

What Do Abnormal Levels Mean?

Glucagon High Levels

If your glucagon levels are too high, it may signal that your body is making too much of the hormone. This can cause problems with blood sugar control and point to other health conditions.

Possible causes include:

• Glucagonoma: a rare tumor that causes very high glucagon levels
• Uncontrolled diabetes: the body may release more glucagon to try to manage blood sugar
• Stress or infections: can cause temporary hormone imbalances
• Severe burns or trauma: the body may increase glucagon as part of its emergency response

• Consult a specialist to check for tumors or hormonal disorders
• Monitor blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes
• Eat balanced meals to support stable glucose levels
• Reduce stress and get enough sleep
• Follow up with imaging or further hormone testing if needed

Glucagon Low Levels

Low glucagon levels can be a sign that your pancreas isn’t working properly. This can be dangerous because your body may struggle to raise blood sugar when needed.

Possible causes include:

• Chronic pancreatitis: damage to the pancreas may affect hormone production
• Pancreatic surgery: removal of part of the pancreas can lower glucagon
• Certain rare genetic conditions: some affect hormone regulation
• Liver problems: the liver’s role in glucose production is closely tied to glucagon function

• Talk to your doctor if you feel weak, dizzy, or shaky often
• Have regular checkups if you’ve had pancreatic surgery or inflammation
• Eat frequent small meals to avoid low blood sugar
• Get liver function tested if low glucagon is found
• Discuss supplements or diet changes that might help support hormone balance

Which Specialist Should You Consult?

If your glucagon levels are too high or too low, you may need to see a specialist. The right type of doctor depends on the cause of the problem.

You may be referred to:

• Endocrinologist: for hormone-related issues like glucagon imbalance or suspected tumors
• Gastroenterologist: if the problem involves the pancreas or digestive system
• Primary care doctor: for ongoing blood sugar monitoring and general health support