What is the difference between glycogen and glucagon

Without these two substances, imbalances will definitely occur making the body system in disequilibrium that may cause instant death. Glycogen is a form of carbohydrate, particularly a form of polysaccharide, while glucagon is a hormone. It is a form of peptide from the family of secretin, another hormone.

What are the roles of these two substances in the body? Well, glycogen is a form of storage for glucose in humans and animals. Glucagon, on the other hand, affects the body by increasing the blood concentration of sugar or glucose in the body which is the opposite effect of insulin when absorbed in the bloodstream among diabetics.

Glycogen is primarily found in the liver and can also be found in kidneys and muscles but in smaller amounts. Glucagon, on the other hand, is produced in the pancreas. Glycogen is essentially a secondary source of energy in the body besides being a storage bin.

When we eat, the food we eat is broken down and synthesized as glucagon. In short, the glucose the food is broken down as glycogen for storage. Glycogen is then stored in the liver. Symptoms of these diseases could be:. This disease is genetic, i. Apart from being storage for glucose, it is also considered a secondary source of energy.

The process is simple, as when we eat food glucose , it is converted into glycogen stored in the liver and later own converted into glucose by breaking down. Glucagon and Blood Glucose level: it is responsible for maintaining the glucose level in the body. It signals the liver at the time of the low level of glucose.

In the case of carbohydrates, its levels in the blood fall, and in the case of high protein meals, its level in the blood rises. Glucagon in diabetes: people with diabetes have a high level of Glucagon. The reason could be either absence of enough insulin or there is no or less response of the body to insulin.

Of the two main types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes is the less common form. As a result, you must take insulin every day. For more information, read about the complications of type 1 diabetes. Learn more: Everything you need to know about insulin ». Over time, type 2 diabetes makes your body produce less insulin, which further raises your blood sugar levels.

Some women develop gestational diabetes late in their pregnancies. In gestational diabetes, pregnancy-related hormones may interfere with how insulin works. This condition normally disappears after the pregnancy ends. As a result, your blood glucose levels are raised, though not as high as they would be if you had type 2 diabetes.

Many people who have prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Knowing how your body works can help you stay healthy. Insulin and glucagon are two critical hormones your body makes to keep your blood sugar levels balanced.

If you have more questions about insulin, glucagon, and blood glucose, talk to your doctor. Questions you have might include:. Diabetes hinders your ability to produce insulin. Without it, cells are starved for energy and must seek an alternate source, leading to serious….

This particular function of glucagon is important for both healthy individuals and those with type 1 and advanced stages of type 2 diabetes.

When someone has type 1 diabetes , insulin is not produced properly by the cells of the pancreas and must be administered externally in order to metabolize glucose.

Type 2 diabetes usually occurs when the cells of the body stop responding properly to insulin, leading glucose to stay within the bloodstream. Individuals with prediabetes begin to exhibit these signs of insulin resistance , which if not addressed with dietary and lifestyle changes such as eating fresh whole foods and exercising, will often lead to type 2 diabetes. For those with advanced stages of type 2 diabetes, the pancreatic cells that produce insulin eventually become exhausted and stop functioning, and insulin must be administered externally in order to metabolize glucose.

Glucagon is also something of a safety-net for those with type 1, type 2 and prediabetes. Since typically glucose remains in the bloodstream of diabetics long after eating, there is rarely reason for glucagon to be produced by the pancreas in order to release stored sugars and raise blood glucose levels. When too much insulin is externally administered, however, glucagon must be produced in order to prevent hypoglycemia , a dangerous condition where blood sugar levels are too low.