Metabolic · FDA Approved
Glucagon
FDA-approved
01 · Overview
A 29-amino acid peptide hormone produced by alpha cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Glucagon acts on the liver via the glucagon receptor (GCGR), a G-protein-coupled receptor that signals through cyclic AMP, activating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to raise blood glucose (PMID 30339786).
It also relaxes smooth muscle of the GI tract, which is the basis for its use as a diagnostic aid in radiology.
02 · Research summary & key findings
FDA-approved for severe hypoglycemia and as a diagnostic aid for radiologic GI examination. Newer ready-to-use forms include nasal glucagon (Baqsimi, 2019) and liquid glucagon (Gvoke, 2019), which reversed insulin-induced hypoglycemia in over 98% of trial cases (PMID 37707700). Glucagon receptor antagonists lowered HbA1c in type 2 diabetes trials (PMID 31694861) but some raised liver fat (PMID 28371155).
03 · Regulatory status
Glucagon has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.
Glucagon is an FDA-approved medicine prescribed for the conditions on its label. It is not part of our intake, so we do not propose protocols for it. If you think it may be relevant to you, talk to your own doctor. How to ask your doctor.
Looking for a lawful, clinician-prescribed option for metabolic health and weight?
Glucagon is prescribed for the conditions on its label, and it is not part of our intake. If you are working on metabolic health and weight, a licensed clinician can tell you at a free consultation whether an FDA-approved or lawfully compounded treatment fits you, or whether nothing does.
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04 · Administration routes
- Subcutaneous injection
- Intramuscular injection
- Intranasal
References
- [1]Treatment with LY2409021, a glucagon receptor antagonist, increases liver fat in patients with type 2 diabetes Diabetes Obes Metab, 2017. PMID 28371155
- [2]Glucagon revisited: Coordinated actions on the liver and kidney Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2018. PMID 30339786
- [3]Efficacy and Safety of the Glucagon Receptor Antagonist RVT-1502 in Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on Metformin Monotherapy: A 12-Week Dose-Ranging Study Diabetes Care, 2020. PMID 31694861
- [4]Systematic Literature Review and Indirect Treatment Comparison of Three Ready-to-Use Glucagon Treatments for Severe Hypoglycemia Diabetes Ther, 2023. PMID 37707700
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Glucagon"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Glucagon"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Glucagon"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.