Glucagon
Metabolic Peptide HormoneapprovedAlso known as: GlucaGen, Baqsimi, Gvoke, Glucagon HCl, Native Glucagon
A 29-amino acid peptide hormone produced by pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood glucose, promotes fat breakdown, and is used medically for severe hypoglycemia emergencies and diagnostically for GI imaging.
Overview
Glucagon is a 29-amino acid peptide hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. It functions as the primary counter-regulatory hormone to insulin, raising blood glucose levels when they fall too low. Glucagon stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis (glycogen breakdown) and gluconeogenesis (new glucose production), while also promoting lipolysis in adipose tissue. Medically, it is an essential emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), particularly in diabetic patients on insulin who become unconscious. It is also used diagnostically to relax smooth muscle during GI imaging procedures. In the biohacking and body composition space, glucagon has attracted interest for its potent lipolytic (fat-burning) properties, though its blood glucose-raising effect limits practical use for fat loss. Newer dual/triple agonists like survodutide and retatrutide incorporate glucagon receptor activity for metabolic benefits.
Mechanism of Action
Glucagon binds to the glucagon receptor (GCGR), a G protein-coupled receptor primarily expressed in the liver but also in kidney, adipose tissue, heart, and brain. Receptor activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cAMP and activating PKA. Key downstream effects: (1) Activation of glycogen phosphorylase, rapidly breaking down hepatic glycogen to glucose; (2) Stimulation of gluconeogenic enzymes (PEPCK, G6Pase) for new glucose synthesis from amino acids and lactate; (3) Activation of hormone-sensitive lipase in adipocytes, promoting lipolysis and release of free fatty acids; (4) Stimulation of hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis; (5) Increase in energy expenditure through thermogenic effects; (6) Relaxation of GI smooth muscle (useful diagnostically); (7) Positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart.
Molecular Formula
C153H225N43O49S
Molecular Weight
3483 Da
Sequence
His-Ser-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu-Met-Asn-Thr
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
0.5mg – 1mg
Frequency
Single dose (may repeat once after 15 min)
Route
intramuscular or subcutaneous
Cycle Length
Emergency use only
Standard emergency dose for unconscious hypoglycemic patients. Nasal spray (Baqsimi) delivers 3mg intranasally as an alternative. Patient should be placed in recovery position. Seek medical attention after administration.
Source: FDA prescribing information
🧮 Personalized Dosage Calculator
💰 Estimated Pricing
Typical Supply
1mg emergency kit or nasal spray
Last Updated
2026-02
FDA-approved for hypoglycemia. GlucaGen kit: $150-300. Baqsimi nasal: $280+. Generic kits available ~$50-100.
⚠️ Prices are estimates based on publicly available data and may vary significantly by vendor, location, and prescription status. This is not medical or financial advice.
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Nausea | moderate |
| Vomiting | moderate |
| Hyperglycemia | moderate |
| Headache | mild |
| Tachycardia | moderate |
Pros & Cons
Life-saving emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia — can be administered by non-medical personnel
Potent lipolytic effects — glucagon receptor agonism is a key component of next-gen weight loss drugs
Well-characterized pharmacology with decades of clinical use and safety data
Available in multiple convenient forms including nasal spray and auto-injector
Raises blood sugar significantly — limits utility for non-emergency fat loss applications
Nausea and vomiting are very common side effects
Short duration of action limits sustained metabolic effects
Prescription required — not available as a research peptide in standard channels
Research Studies
🩸 Blood Work
No specific bloodwork requirements reported for this peptide. General health panels are always recommended before starting any peptide protocol.
Legal Status
FDA-approved prescription medication. Available as injectable (GlucaGen), nasal spray (Baqsimi), and auto-injector (Gvoke). Prescription required. Not a controlled substance.
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