What does glucagon?
If you’ve ever danced the Cha Cha Slide, then you already know what glucagon be getting up to – all kinds of twists and slides, with a few dips thrown in for good measure. But if your idea of dancing involves swaying awkwardly from side to side while wishing that nobody was watching, don’t worry – we’re here to tell you everything that you need to know about glucagon.
Onward! To Biochemistry!
We’re not gonna lie: biochemistry is kind of a snooze-fest. It’s like listening to someone read out loud from an obsolete phone book for hours on end… except without any of the cool old-fashioned names like “Archie” or “Mildred”. So we’ll give it to you straight:
Glucagon is a hormone produced by your pancreas that tells your liver (and sometimes your muscles) to release stored glucose into the bloodstream so that it can provide energy when necessary. The molecule itself consists of 29 amino acids joined together in a chain-like structure known as a polypeptide…but honestly, who cares? We prefer thinking about glucagon as our very own blood sugar superhero.
Sugar-highs and Lows
Ever noticed how certain actors slowly transform into vampires over time? They start off looking young and strong (kinda like Brad Pitt), but gradually become more gaunt and pale until they resemble something out of Twilight (yes, even worse than Robert Pattinson)? Well. This process has nothing whatsoever to do with glucagon, but it does bear some similarities with the way our bodies regulate blood sugar levels.
When we eat food high in carbohydrates (i.e., bread or candy), our bodies break them down into simple sugars such as glucose (these are just big buzzwords for sweets!) . This glucose enters our bloodstream via the small intestine and is transported throughout our body, where it provides energy to every cell. However, too much glucose can cause problems: your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin in order to lower blood sugar levels back down.
On the other hand, when our bodies don’t get enough food or we’re just …starving ourselves,the opposite happens- low blood sugar triggers glucagon secretion.This then tells the liver to break down stored glucose (glycogen) into its constituent parts so that it can be released into the bloodstream as glucose – this will help prevent those scary moments when you feel like you’re about to pass out from Hypoglycaemia!
Think of glucagon like an EpiPen for people with diabetes… except instead of adrenaline, it contains lab-created form of glucagon made by biotechnology companies.
The Power of Glucagons
Wondering whether there’s anything more exciting than glycemic regulation? Well wonder no longer :let me highlight some interesting facts on how crucial this molecule really is:
### Helps Prevent Hypoglycemia
Glucagon is effective because it raises a person’s blood glucose levels quickly which could save their life should they experience dangerous drops in their serum concentrations.
Fights Against Diabetes-Related Obesity
A recent study showed that infusing subjects with human synthetic glucagon not only helped control their hypoglycemia but also caused significant weight loss over time. I mean who knew one hormones saves us from two different tragedies?
Saves Lives By Reversing Insulin Toxicity
Picture yourself injecting insulin under professional surveillance ,and suddenly things go wrong…too much insulin enters your bloodstream causing deadly complications,lucky for such cases there is a reverse superhero!! Synthetic synthesized glucagons have been shown to alleviate symptoms related to diabetic ketoacidosis –a potentially lethal complication occurring due overdoses with little chance!
A Helping Hand-PUMP
It’s not often that we give credit to machines, but in this instance, it might just be deserved – let us introduce: the insulin pump. Instead of requiring constant manual calculation and administration of insulin injections throughout the day (which can work out very expensive over time), these small devices provide a steady stream of insulin directly into your bloodstream.
This however is where glucagon comes ripping through.Sometimes people may forget to actually take their medication despite being dialed up on an automatic regime,I know ..ridiculous,right? This could cause low blood sugar levels with undesirable side effects such as confusion and seizures.Definitely not a party I would look forward to joining!
However nowadays thanks in part to marvels like biotechnology companies; glucagon “rescue shots” should be always at reach ,consider them oiling blood glucose lamp for those emergencies!
What does all this mean ? As patients’ continue enjoying better control over their condition they will eventually participate more actively in everyday tasks,get involved more frequently reinforcing an independant healthy living.
The Parting Shot
So there you have it, folks- all about glucagon.”But what am I supposed do with now that I know?”,you ask ::stopping cha cha slide:: while eye-balling everybody impatiently.You rely on it every day without even realizing it!! Now you’ve got a cool factoid or two when next attending awkward socializing events (isn’t life great)! Glucagon isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so consider yourself blessed you get to share moments such as these.. It really is amazing how much our bodies are capable of doing when we get out of the way and let nature do her thing And don’t forget, nobody puts baby in a corner.