Hormones
Glucagon
Also known as: Serum Glucagon
CONVERT & COMPARE
pg/mL
=
80
ng/L
About Glucagon
This test measures the amount of glucagon in your blood. Glucagon is a hormone made by your pancreas. Hormones are chemical messengers in your bloodstream that control the actions of certain cells or organs. Glucagon works with other hormones, like insulin, to help maintain your body's level of blood glucose, also called blood sugar. Glucagon increases your blood glucose levels, while insulin decreases your blood glucose levels.
Glucose is your body's main source of energy. It comes from the food you eat. Your body breaks down most of that food into glucose and releases it into your bloodstream. This causes your blood glucose levels to go up, and less glucagon is released.
And when your blood glucose levels drop, your pancreas releases glucagon into the bloodstream. But if your pancreas doesn't release the right amount of glucagon, it can lead to serious health problems.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Useful for
Help find a rare tumor of the pancreas called a glucagonoma, which makes too much glucagon and can cause a typical skin rash, weight loss, diabetes, and diarrhea.
Help look into unexplained low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), since glucagon is one of the main hormones that should rise when blood sugar drops.
Help check pancreas function in people with chronic pancreatitis or after pancreatic surgery.
In some people with diabetes, help understand swings between very high and very low blood sugar.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Interpretation
If your glucagon levels were not in the normal range, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
A high glucagon level when blood sugar is normal or high may suggest a glucagon-making tumor (glucagonoma) or another rare neuroendocrine tumor. Other things that can raise glucagon include severe stress, prolonged fasting, kidney failure, and uncontrolled diabetes.
A low or undetectable glucagon level when blood sugar is low can be a problem because the body is missing one of its main "rescue" hormones for low sugar. This is sometimes seen in long-standing type 1 diabetes and can lead to repeated severe low-sugar episodes.
Glucagon results are usually interpreted alongside blood sugar, insulin, and C-peptide levels rather than on their own.
For general wellness information only. Talk to a clinician about your specific results.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
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Related biomarkers
More tests in the hormones category.
Sources
Last updated 2026-05-02
This page presents source-specific reference data and sourced explanations. For general wellness information only. This is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any condition, talk to a qualified clinician.