Glucagon physiology and pathophysiology
Abstract
THE function of pancreatic glucagon has been questioned for several decades, but it now seems probable that glucagon, like insulin, is extremely important in the moment-to-moment control of the homeostasis of glucose, of certain amino acids and perhaps of free fatty acids. Normal alpha-cell function seems essential to optimal glucoregulation, and abnormal alpha-cell function may cause, contribute to or result from a variety of metabolic disorders, the most common being diabetes mellitus.Biologic Opposition of Glucagon and InsulinGlucagon has been shown to have potent glycogenolytic1 and gluconeogenic2 , 3 activity at concentrations within the physiologic range. In addition, it may have . . .
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The rapid absorption of glucose after consumption of a high-GL meal increases insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon secretion, and elicits a GIP-dominant incretin response.
“The rapid absorption of glucose after consumption of a high-GL meal increases insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon secretion, and elicits a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)-dominant incretin response (35–37).”
From The carbohydrate-insulin model: A physiological perspective on the obesity pandemic (2021) · cites this paper as [35]
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- Authors
- Sherwood, L. M., Parris, E. E., & Unger, R. H.
- Corresponding author
- Sherwood, Louis M.
- Venue
- New England Journal of Medicine
- Publisher
- Massachusetts Medical Society
- Published
- 1971-08-19
- Volume
- 285
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 443-449
- ISSN
- 0028-4793 (ISSN-L)
- 1533-4406
- OpenAlex
- W2038583764
- Cited by
- 267
- References
- 18
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 44.84
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- New England Journal of Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Pancreatic function and diabetes
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Treatment and Management
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Management and Research
- Keywords
- glucagon, alpha cells, glucose homeostasis, glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, diabetes mellitus, amino acid metabolism, free fatty acids
- MeSH terms
- Insulin Secretion, Alanine, Amino Acids, Animals, Blood Glucose, Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental, Dietary Carbohydrates, Dietary Proteins, Fasting, Glucagon, Gluconeogenesis, Glucose, Humans, Insulin, Pancreas, Diabetic Ketoacidosis
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