Glucagon is a 29-amino-acid peptide hormone (MW ~3482.8 g/mol) produced by pancreatic alpha cells that serves as the primary counter-regulatory hormone to insulin. It is FDA-approved for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia and as a diagnostic aid for GI radiographic examination. Multiple formulations are available: traditional reconstituted injection (GlucaGen), intranasal powder (Baqsimi, approved 2019), and ready-to-use auto-injector (Gvoke, approved 2019), representing significant advances in emergency usability.
Category: Metabolic / Pancreatic Hormone. Evidence rating: A (strong human clinical data).
Clinical status: FDA-approved (emergency hypoglycemia treatment; GI diagnostic aid)
Glucagon binds to the glucagon receptor (GCGR), a G-protein-coupled receptor primarily expressed in the liver, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP. This stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen to glucose) and gluconeogenesis, rapidly raising blood glucose…
Safety considerations: Common: nausea and vomiting (occurs in up to 30-40% after hypoglycemia rescue doses); Transient hyperglycemia following administration; Baqsimi-specific: nasal congestion, watery eyes, nasal itching, upper respiratory tract irritation.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | His-Ser-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu-Met-Asn-Thr |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~3482.8 g/mol |
| CAS number | 16941-32-5 |
| Half-life | ~8-18 minutes |
| Bioavailability | IM/SC: near complete; Intranasal (Baqsimi): sufficient for therapeutic effect (Tmax ~15-20 min) |
| Production method | recombinant |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | FDA-approved. GlucaGen (IM/SC/IV injection, reconstitution required). Baqsimi (3 mg intranasal powder) approved July 2019. Gvoke (ready-to-use SC auto-injector) approved September 2019. |
All contain glucagon for emergency hypoglycemia treatment. GlucaGen is a traditional kit requiring reconstitution (mixing powder with diluent) before injection, which can be difficult in an emergency. Baqsimi is a nasal spray (no injection needed, just spray into one nostril). Gvoke is a pre-mixed liquid auto-injector or pre-filled syringe (no reconstitution needed). Baqsimi and Gvoke were…
Glucagon may be less effective or ineffective after prolonged alcohol consumption because alcohol depletes hepatic glycogen stores. Glucagon works by stimulating glycogen breakdown, so if glycogen is depleted, it cannot raise blood glucose. IV dextrose is the preferred treatment in alcohol-related hypoglycemia.
Yes. While severe hypoglycemia is more common in type 1 diabetes, it can occur in type 2 diabetes patients treated with insulin or sulfonylureas. Glucagon emergency kits are recommended for all patients at risk of severe hypoglycemia regardless of diabetes type.
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