Glucagon is one of the substances that circulates in our blood to regulate blood sugar levels. It is often described has having the opposite effect of insulin as its main purpose is to increase blood concentrations of glycogen. In fact, it stimulates the breakdown of glycogen stores in the liver so that they can be used by the body. Without adequate glucagon, this process cannot happen.

Hypoglycemia is known to stimulate the production of glucagons, as would abnormally high concentrations of amino acids in the blood. Exercise will also stimulate the secretion of glucagon, resulting in the release of glycogen from the liver. This is just one of the reasons why healthy exercise can result in a normalizing of blood sugar levels.

Stimulating the Release of Glucagon

Stimulating the release of glucagons with exercise can be a very important part of suppressing carb cravings frequently experienced by dieters. Once the excess storage of glycogen in the liver is completely depleted, the cravings will fade away all by themselves. This is when many successful dieters begin to lose weight fast. The great thing is that at this stage, dieters no longer feel uncontrollable urges to eat at all.

Glucagon supplements may have a part to play for anyone who cannot exercise, for example the chronically obese or someone who is ill. However, this sort of treatment should never be undertaken except under close medical supervision. The treatment would be give either intravenously or intramuscularly.