Athanasia K. Papazafiropoulou, Ifigeneia Papageorgiou, Danai F. Sfadou, Stavros I. Pappas
Abstract
Glucagon is secreted from the α-cells of the pancreatic islets and regulates glucose homeostasis through modulation of hepatic glucose production. As elevated glucagon levels contribute to the pathophysiology of hyperglycemia in subjects with type 2 diabetes, reduction of glucagon receptor gene activity represents a potential target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Herein, we review literature data of glucagon in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and evaluate its therapeutic potential mechanisms of action for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Keywords: type 2 diabetes, glucagon, glucagon receptor