glucagon

In biology, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, which increases the concentration of glucose in the blood by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. Secretion occurs in response to a lowering of blood glucose concentrations.

Glucagon injections can be issued to people living with patients with diabetes who are being treated with insulin. Hypoglycaemia may develop in such patients in the event of inadequate control of diabetes. An injection of glucagon can be used to reverse hypoglycaemia before serious symptoms, such as unconsciousness, develop.