Polypeptide hormone secreted by the islet alpha cells in the pancreas. Stimulates the production of glucose in the liver and the oxidation of fatty acids
Normal range (by age):
Newborn (1 " “3 days): 0 " “1,750 pg/mL
Child (4 " “14 years): 0 " “148 pg/mL
Adult: 20 " “100 pg/mL
Interpretation
Increased In
Glucagonoma
Diabetes mellitus
Chronic renal failure
Hyperlipoproteinemia types III and IV
Severe stress, infections, trauma, burns, surgery, and acute hypoglycemia