Glucagon blood testGlucagon

What is a glucagon blood test?

ESIT SA
3 min readMay 2, 2022

This test measures the level of glucagon in the blood. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps control the level of glucose (sugar in the blood) of the body. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. When glucose levels drop, the pancreas releases glucagon into the bloodstream. This triggers glucose production. As glucose levels rise, less glucagon is released. If the pancreas does not release the necessary amount of glucagon, serious health problems can occur.

Alternative names: glucagon blood test, glucagon test

For what do you use it?

The glucagon test is often used to diagnose:

Hypoglycemia: A condition in which glucose levels are lower than normal. If left untreated, severe hypoglycemia can be fatal. It usually affects people with diabetes. May occur when diabetes medications or food intake are not at adequate levels
Pancreatitis: It means inflammation of the pancreas. It may be acute or chronic. Acute means that it comes on suddenly and lasts for several days. The symptoms of acute pancreatitis are more severe and sometimes require immediate medical attention. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition. It gets worse over time and can cause permanent damage. Sometimes symptoms do not appear until complications arise
Glucagonoma: A rare type of tumor of the pancreas
The test is sometimes used to follow people with diabetes.

You may need this test if you have symptoms of hypoglycemia or a pancreatic tumor, such as:

Fast or irregular heartbeat
Tingling in the lips, tongue, or cheeks
Anxiety
Irritability
Sweat
blurred vision
Fatigue
Pallor
Appetite

Some of the symptoms of a pancreatic tumor are:

Rash on the face, stomach, or legs
Diarrhea
Weightloss
Sores in the mouth or tongue

What happens during a glucagon blood test?

The health professional takes a sample of blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After inserting the needle, he draws some blood and places it in a test tube or vial. He may feel mild discomfort when the needle is inserted or withdrawn, but the procedure usually takes less than five minutes.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
You may need to fast (not eat or drink anything) for several hours before the test.

Does this test have any risk?

The risks of a blood test are minimal. You may feel mild pain or bruise where the needle is inserted, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?

If your glucagon levels are not in the normal range, it may mean that you have one of the following health problems:

hypoglycemia
Diabetes
Acute or chronic pancreatitis
Glucagonoma (pancreatic tumor)
If you have questions about your results, ask your healthcare professional.

Learn more about lab tests, reference ranges, and what the results mean.

Is there anything else I need to know about the glucagon blood test?
The glucagon blood test and the glucagon stimulation test are known as glucagon tests. However, they are not the same. The glucagon blood test is used to monitor conditions related to glucose levels. The glucagon stimulation test, on the other hand, checks for problems with growth hormones. It is usually used in babies and children.

What happens if I travel by plane?

If you have diabetes you must meet some requirements both at the airport and on the flight. That includes insulin pumps, insulin needles, refrigeration pack. More information on how to travel with diabetes and comply with TSA rules regarding liquids and solids

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