Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm
- Fasting: 8–12 hours required
- Turn-around: 7-13 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of rare pancreatic tumors and metabolic disorders
- Convenient screening without physician referral required
- Confidential results delivered electronically with expert interpretation
- Comprehensive assessment of pancreatic hormone function and glucose regulation
- Proactive health management to prevent hypoglycemia complications
- Supporting evidence for diabetes and metabolic syndrome evaluation
Who Is This Test For?
- People with unexplained low blood sugar symptoms
- Individuals experiencing unexplained weight loss or skin rashes
- Those with unstable diabetes or difficult glucose control
- People suspected of having pancreatic tumors (glucagonoma)
- Individuals with chronic pancreatitis requiring hormone monitoring
- Anyone seeking comprehensive metabolic health assessment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No doctor visit required for most direct-to-consumer labs
- Visit lab - Quick blood draw from your arm at a certified location
- Get results - Receive confidential results electronically in secure online portal
FAQ
What does this test measure? The glucagon hormone produced by your pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Do I need to fast before this test? Fasting may be required - follow your specific lab instructions for optimal accuracy.
What are normal glucagon levels? Normal range is typically 25-50 pg/mL, though this may vary slightly by laboratory.
How long until I get results? Most labs provide results within a few days of sample collection.
Can this test detect pancreatic tumors? Yes, elevated glucagon levels may indicate glucagonoma, a rare pancreatic tumor.
Should I continue my medications? Inform your provider about all medications as some may affect glucagon levels.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The glucagon blood test measures the concentration of glucagon, a hormone produced by alpha cells in your pancreas. Glucagon plays a critical role in blood sugar regulation by stimulating your liver to release stored glucose when blood sugar levels drop too low (Mayo Clinic 2025). This test helps diagnose disorders affecting glucose metabolism, including hypoglycemia, glucagonoma, and certain forms of diabetes. Healthcare providers use glucagon testing to assess pancreatic function and guide management of metabolic conditions that impact your body's ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals with unexplained hypoglycemia who experience frequent low blood sugar episodes without clear cause (American Diabetes Association 2024). People with symptoms suggesting glucagonoma - including unexplained weight loss, persistent high blood sugar, and characteristic skin rashes - should consider testing. Those with unstable diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, or other pancreatic disorders may need glucagon monitoring as part of comprehensive care. The test also supports evaluation of metabolic syndrome and endocrine disorders affecting glucose regulation (UCSF Health 2025).
When should I order a Glucagon Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, especially if accompanied by symptoms like shakiness, sweating, or confusion. Consider testing if you have unexplained weight loss combined with high blood sugar levels or unusual skin rashes. Those with diagnosed diabetes experiencing difficult-to-control glucose levels may benefit from glucagon assessment. People with family history of pancreatic tumors or those undergoing comprehensive endocrine evaluation should discuss this test with their healthcare provider (MedlinePlus 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Glucagon 25–50 pg/mL
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: Continue routine health maintenance
Glucagon below 25 pg/mL
- What it means: Low glucagon
- Typical action: Evaluate for pancreatic dysfunction
Glucagon above 50 pg/mL
- What it means: Elevated glucagon
- Typical action: Screen for glucagonoma or diabetes
Glucagon above 500 pg/mL
- What it means: Significantly high
- Typical action: Urgent evaluation for pancreatic tumor
Early detection of glucagonoma through glucagon testing can improve 5-year survival rates from 30% to over 60% with prompt treatment (MedlinePlus 2024).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Follow fasting instructions provided by your laboratory, which may require avoiding food and drinks for several hours before testing. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you're taking, as some may influence glucagon levels. Maintain your regular activities and avoid excessive stress before testing, as these factors can affect hormone levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your provider whether to adjust medications before the test (UCSF Health 2025).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: One-time test
- Monitoring glucagonoma: Every 3-6 months
- Diabetes management: As recommended by provider
- Chronic pancreatitis: Every 6-12 months
Why early detection matters
Hypoglycemia affects up to 10% of insulin-treated diabetics annually in the U.S., with related hospitalizations costing over $1.8 billion annually (American Diabetes Association 2024). Early identification of abnormal glucagon levels helps prevent serious complications from untreated metabolic disorders. Detecting glucagonoma early significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Prompt diagnosis allows for timely intervention, preventing progression of metabolic complications that can impact quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
Glucose Blood Test - Measures current blood sugar levels; essential for diagnosing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and monitoring diabetes management.
C-Peptide Test- Evaluate insulin production and secretion, helping differentiate causes of hypoglycemia and assess overall pancreatic function.
Hepatic (Liver) Function - Assess liver health and its role in glucose metabolism, complementing glucagon testing for comprehensive metabolic evaluation.
