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Glucagon and diabetes: A reappraisal

1979; Springer Science+Business Media; Volume: 16; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/bf01223153

1432-0428

Pierre J. Lefèbvre, A Luyckx,

Diabetes Management and Research

The metabolic properties of glucagon, demonstrated bothin vitro andin vivo, qualify it as a potential diabetogenic hormone. Plasma glucagon levels are usually elevated in diabetes, the highest levels being found in the absence of insulin. Numerous lines of evidence indicate that excess glucagon levels contribute to the metabolic abnormalities of diabetes. Nevertheless, diabetes can occur in the absence of glucagon (pancreatectomy in man). The absence of high intra-islet levels of insulin may explain the persistence of abnormally high plasma concentrations of glucagon in the diabetic receiving conventional insulin therapy. In maturity-onset type diabetes, the intimate mechanisms leading to abnormal circulating glucagon levels are completely unknown. A search for selective glucagon inhibitors represents an attractive new way in diabetes management.