What role does glucagon play in the body?

Glucagon plays a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar levels, especially during periods of fasting or intense physical activity. It is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and functions primarily to increase blood glucose concentration. When blood sugar levels drop, glucagon is released into the bloodstream and signals the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. This process, known as glycogenolysis, ensures that the body has a readily available source of energy.

Additionally, glucagon promotes gluconeogenesis, the process by which the liver generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol. Together, these actions ensure that blood sugar levels remain within a healthy range, providing energy to vital organs and tissues, particularly the brain, which relies heavily on glucose for function.

Understanding glucagon's role illustrates the hormone's importance in the body's metabolic processes and its function as a counter-regulatory hormone to insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels.