GlucagonSpec 7.14
If blood glucose concentration falls too low, for example between meals or during exercise, the pancreas secretes glucagon instead.
- Blood glucose concentration falls.
- The pancreas secretes glucagon into the blood.
- Glucagon acts on the liver. The liver changes glycogen into glucose.
- Glucose is released into the blood, so blood glucose concentration rises back to normal.
| Insulin | Glucagon | |
|---|---|---|
| Released when | Blood glucose is too high | Blood glucose is too low |
| Acts on | Liver and other cells | Liver |
| Effect | Glucose into cells, glucose to glycogen | Glycogen to glucose |
| Result | Blood glucose falls | Blood glucose rises |
Insulin and glucagon work against each other. This is negative feedback, and it keeps blood glucose concentration close to normal.