glucagon

noun

glu·ca·gon ˈglü-kə-ˌgän

: a protein hormone that is produced especially by the islets of Langerhans and that promotes an increase in the sugar content of the blood by increasing the rate of glycogen breakdown in the liver

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Mounjaro is the only dual-acting glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes in addition to diet and exercise. —

Verywell Health, 2 Feb. 2023 Previously approved by the FDA for treating type-2 diabetes, this medication was shown to improve diabetic symptoms by binding to special receptors in the gut called long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. —

William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 These include glucagon, which acts as insulin’s antagonist, opposing its effects on blood sugar levels. —

Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 14 Sep. 2012 Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that binds to GLP-1 receptors. —

Jocelyn Solis-moreira, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2023 Both drugs mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, which can signal the brain in ways that make people feel fuller. —

Julie Appleby, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2022 No insulin, no life. Damiano’s device, called the iLet, would deliver both insulin and glucagon. —

Dan Hurley, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2016 Both drugs mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, which can signal the brain in ways that make people feel fuller. —

Julie Appleby, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2022 Both drugs mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, which can signal the brain in ways that make people feel fuller. —

Julie Appleby, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'glucagon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

gluc- + -agon (perhaps from Greek agōn, present participle of agein to lead, drive) — more at agent

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of glucagon was in 1923

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Glucagon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glucagon. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

glucagon

noun

glu·ca·gon ˈglü-kə-ˌgän

: a protein hormone that is produced especially by the pancreatic islets of Langerhans and that promotes an increase in the sugar content of the blood by increasing the rate of breakdown of glycogen in the liver

called also hyperglycemic factor, hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor