What hormones are produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels?
The pancreas is an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach, in front of the spine and plays an important part in diabetes. Show
The pancreas is the organ which produces insulin, one the main hormones that helps to regulate blood glucose levels The role of the pancreas in the bodyThe pancreas plays a part in two different organ systems, the endocrine system and the exocrine system. The endocrine system includes all the organs which produce hormones, chemicals which are delivered via the blood to help regulate our mood, growth, metabolism and reproduction. Two of the hormones produced by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon The exocrine system is made up of a number of glands which release substances such as sweat (to the skin), saliva (in the mouth) or, in the case of the pancreas, digestive enzymes The pancreas and insulinThe pancreas is responsible for producing insulin. The cells which produce insulin are beta cells. These cells are distributed in a cluster of cells in the pancreas called the Islets of Langerhans, named after the anatomist who discovered them Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels by assisting the transport of glucose from the blood into neighbouring cells. The pancreas and type 1 diabetesIn type 1 diabetes , the beta cells that produce insulin are attacked by the body’s immune system. As more beta cells get killed off, the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels down and the symptoms of diabetes begin to appear. Research has shown that whilst many beta cells are killed off, the body can continue to produce very small amounts of insulin even after decades have passed. The pancreas and type 2 diabetesIn type 2 diabetes, the body builds up resistance to insulin and more insulin is needed to bring down blood glucose levels. As a result the pancreas needs to produce more insulin than it would normally need to. If the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to bring down sugar levels, the symptoms of diabetes will begin to appear. Type 2 diabetes comes on gradually and it can take up to years for symptoms to appear. Further development of type 2 diabetes can lead to loss of insulin producing beta cells from the pancreas which can lead to the need for insulin to be administered. [83] Become a member - it's free! 👋 Join for free! Find support, share experiences and get exclusive member cookbooks, giveaways and freebies. Sign up → USED BY 475,000 PEOPLE 🔥 Lose weight with Low Carb Program NHS certified education, meal plans and coaching to lose weight, reduce medications and improve your HbA1c. Glucagon is a hormone that your pancreas makes to help regulate your blood glucose (sugar) levels. Glucagon increases your blood sugar level and prevents it from dropping too low, whereas insulin, another hormone, decreases blood sugar levels.
What is glucagon?Glucagon is a natural hormone your body makes that works with other hormones and bodily functions to control glucose (sugar) levels in your blood. Glucagon prevents your blood sugar from dropping too low. The alpha cells in your pancreas make glucagon and release it in response to a drop in blood sugar, prolonged fasting, exercise and protein-rich meals. Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. Your pancreas is a glandular organ in your abdomen that secretes several enzymes to aid in digestion and several hormones, including glucagon and insulin. It’s surrounded by your stomach, intestines and other organs. Glucose is the main sugar found in your blood. You get glucose from carbohydrates in the food you eat. This sugar is an important source of energy and provides nutrients to your body's organs, muscles and nervous system. Glucose is very important because it’s the primary source of energy for your brain. Your body normally has a complex system to make sure your blood sugar is at optimum levels. If you have too much or too little glucose in your blood, it can cause certain symptoms and complications. Glucagon injections and nasal spraysThere’s also a synthetic form of glucagon that can be administered as an injection or nasal powder (dry nasal spray). People with Type 1 diabetes primarily use this form of glucagon in emergency situations when they have very low blood sugar. Synthetic glucagon triggers your liver to release stored glucose, which then raises blood sugar. What is the function of glucagon?Your body normally carefully regulates your blood glucose (sugar) primarily with the hormones glucagon and insulin. When your blood glucose levels trend lower or fall too low (hypoglycemia), your pancreas releases more glucagon. Glucagon helps blood glucose levels rise back up in multiple ways, including:
If your blood glucose levels trend higher, your pancreas releases insulin to bring it back into range. What is the difference between glucagon and insulin?Glucagon and insulin are both important hormones that play essential roles in regulating your blood glucose (sugar). Both hormones come from your pancreas — alpha cells in your pancreas make and release glucagon, and beta cells in your pancreas make and release insulin. The difference is in how these hormones contribute to blood sugar regulation. Glucagon increases blood sugar levels, whereas insulin decreases blood sugar levels. If your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or your body doesn’t use it properly, you can have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which leads to diabetes. What is the difference between glucagon and glycogen?Glucagon and glycogen are not the same. Glycogen is a stored form of glucose (sugar). Your body primarily stores glycogen in your liver and muscles. Glucagon is a hormone that triggers liver glycogen to convert back into glucose and to enter your bloodstream so that your body can use it for energy. What tests can check glucagon levels?Healthcare providers don’t typically order glucagon level tests for people with diabetes, but they may order the test to help diagnose some rare endocrine conditions. Your provider may order a glucagon blood test to measure your glucagon levels if you’re having certain symptoms. During the test, a provider will draw a blood sample from your vein using a needle. They will then send it to a lab for testing. What are normal glucagon levels?Normal glucagon value ranges can vary from lab to lab and depending on the duration of fasting and blood glucose level(s). Always compare your results to the reference range given on your blood lab report, and talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions. In general, the normal range of glucagon levels in your blood is 50 to 100 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). A picogram is one-trillionth of a gram. What conditions are related to issues with glucagon function?People with diabetes can develop an inability to release enough glucagon in response to decreasing blood glucose levels. Because of this, they’re more likely to develop frequent low or severely low blood sugars if they take medication that could cause low blood sugars — especially synthetic insulin and medications in the class of sulfonylurea. People with Type 2 diabetes may have glucagon levels that are relatively higher than what would be considered normal based on blood glucose levels. This can contribute to higher blood sugars. Glucagon production issues outside diabetes are uncommon, and some are rare. The following conditions can affect or be affected by your glucagon function:
What are the symptoms of glucagon-related conditions?Depending on the situation and condition, you can experience low and/or high blood sugar from abnormal glucagon levels. Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)The signs and symptoms of low blood sugar include:
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to eat food with carbohydrates/sugar to treat it and bring your blood sugar levels up. If you experience these symptoms often, contact your healthcare provider. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)While high blood sugar levels are most commonly caused by an issue with not having enough insulin and not an isolated glucagon issue, it’s possible to have elevated blood sugar levels from rare glucagon issues. Early signs and symptoms of high blood sugar include:
Additional symptoms include:
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see your healthcare provider. When should I see a healthcare provider about my glucagon levels?If you have diabetes and are experiencing frequent episodes of low or high blood sugar, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. Glucagon levels are usually not measured or monitored in people with diabetes, but your provider may need to adjust your medication management (and sometimes lifestyle management) to minimize both low and high blood sugar episodes. While other glucagon issues are rare, if you’re having symptoms, it’s essential to figure out the cause. Reach out to your healthcare provider. A note from Cleveland Clinic Glucagon is a very important hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Even though non-diabetes-related issues with your body’s ability to make and use glucagon are rare, it’s important to see your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of low or high blood sugar. They can run some tests to see if the cause is an issue with your body’s glucagon or something else. It’s also important to see your provider regularly if you have diabetes, especially if you frequently experience low and/or high blood sugar. If you treat your diabetes with insulin, make sure you have emergency glucagon on hand in case you experience a severe low blood sugar episode. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/03/2022. References
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How does the pancreas regulate blood sugar?When a person's blood sugar is too high, their pancreas secretes more insulin. When their blood sugar levels drop, their pancreas releases glucagon to raise them. This balance helps provide sufficient energy to the cells while preventing damage that can result from consistently high blood sugar levels.
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