Insulin and Glucagon - The two important hormones for diabetes management

Glucagon and insulin are two vital hormones secreted by the pancreas. Both the hormones work in harmony to play an important role in regulating the blood glucose levels. If the level of one of the hormones is lower or higher than the desired range, blood glucose levels may drop or spike.

Together, glucagon and insulin help maintain glucose homeostasis. When blood sugar increases above the normal range, the pancreas releases more insulin; when blood sugar drops below the normal range, the pancreas secretes glucagon to elevate them. The balance provides the cells with sufficient energy while preventing damage to the nerves that may be caused due to persistently high blood sugar levels.

How does insulin work?

During the process of digestion, foods containing carbohydrates are transformed into glucose. Most of the glucose enters the bloodstream, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. The increase in the blood sugar prompts the pancreas into making insulin.

The insulin signals your body cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream and as glucose slowly moves into the cells, your blood sugar levels decrease. Some of your body cells utilize the glucose as energy, while other cells, like in the muscle or the liver, store excess glucose in the form of glycogen, which your body uses as fuel in between meals.

How does glucagon work?

The glucagon hormone works to counterbalance the work of insulin. After about 4-6 hours of having a meal, the level of glucose in your blood goes down, triggering the pancreas to create glucagon. The hormone signals your muscle cells and liver to convert the stored glycogen back into glucose. Then these cells release glucose into the bloodstream so that other cells can utilize it for energy.

The entire feedback loop with glucagon and insulin is continually in motion. It prevents your blood glucose levels from dropping too low while ensuring that the body has a stable supply of energy.

Knowing the way these two functions in your body can help you stay healthy. Glucagon and insulin are to essential hormones produced by the pancreas to keep your blood glucose levels balanced. However, for someone with prediabetes or diabetes, the production and usage of glucagon and insulin are off – and when the process is disrupted or disbalanced, it may lead the glucose levels in your blood to increase or decrease drastically. All people with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2 diabetes will have to supplement the insulin and control blood sugar through exercise and diet.