Glucagon

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