Glucagon Blood Test
A Glucagon Blood Test is useful in measuring the amount of glucagon in the bloodstream.
Description
The hormone glucagon is released by the pancreas when glucose levels in the bloodstream drop. Glucagon will prompt the glycogen, which is stored in the liver, to break down into glucose. This helps to control regular blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar could be a sign of irregular glucagon levels.
This test may be ordered if you have the following symptoms:
- mild diabetes
- a skin rash called necrolytic migratory erythema
- unexplained weight loss
In rare occasions, elevated glucagon levels may be a product of a pancreatic tumor called glucagonoma.