Insulin vs. Glucagon: How Your Pancreas Balances Blood Sugar
Your pancreas may be small, but it plays a big role in keeping your body’s energy in check. Two of its most important hormones — insulin and glucagon — work like a perfectly balanced seesaw to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels.
1. The Role of Insulin
- Produced by: Beta cells in the pancreas
- Function: Lowers blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream
- When Released: After eating, when your blood sugar is high
Think of insulin as the “storage manager” — it tells your body to store excess sugar for later use.
2. The Role of Glucagon
- Produced by: Alpha cells in the pancreas
- Function: Raises blood sugar by telling the liver to release stored glucose
- When Released: During fasting or between meals, when your blood sugar is low
Glucagon is the “energy releaser” — it makes sure your body has enough fuel when you haven’t eaten.
3. The Perfect Balance ⚖
- Too little insulin → High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) → Risk of diabetes
- Too much insulin → Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) → Dizziness, weakness, confusion
- Too little glucagon → Can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels
- Too much glucagon → Can worsen high blood sugar in diabetes
4. Why It Matters
If this insulin-glucagon balance is disrupted — due to diabetes, pancreatic disease, or hormonal disorders — your body’s energy supply becomes unstable. This can lead to fatigue, weight changes, and long-term complications.
Pro Tip: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine check-ups can help keep your pancreatic hormones balanced.
About the Author
Dr. Pavan K Addala
Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist – Hyderabad
Specializing in pancreas, liver, and digestive health care.
