Glucagon Flashcards
Drugs - Pharmacology
1
Q
Glucagon secretion
A
Secreted by alpha cells in response to low blood glucose
2
Q
What suppresses glucagon secretion?
A
Elevation of glucose
3
Q
Glucose uptake by alpha cells is insulin dependent meaning what?
A
low insulin levels which mimic low blood sugar enhancing secretion
4
Q
Functions of Glucagon
A
- stimulates breakdown of glycogen in skeletal muscle and liver cells = glycogenolysis
- stimulates breakdown of triglycerides in adipose tissue
- stimulates production of glucose in liver = gluconeogenesis
5
Q
indications
A
Hypoglycaemia (<4mmol)
Clinically suspected Hypoglycaemia and oral glucose not possible
Unconscious patient where Hypoglycaemia is a likely cause
6
Q
contraindications
A
Low glycogen stores
Hypoglycaemic seizures
7
Q
dose
A
1mg IM
