Hormonal and metabolic responses to glucagon in diabetes mellitus

The metabolic and hormonal responses to glucagon (1 mg, subcutaneous) were studied in twelve diabetic and twelve non-diabetic subjects. Diabetics showed a GH response, which although commencing slightly earlier, did not otherwise differ from that of the controls. There was the expected diminished insulin response to glucagon among the patients on oral agents. The GH response to glucagon in the diabetics began before there was any significant fall in blood glucose (BG). The hyperglycaemic response in the diabetics peaked later, was greater in amplitude and was more prolonged. In this group both pyruvate and lactate changes were delayed and diminished in amplitude. The diabetics showed a biphasic response of both acetoacetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate to glucagon; a small transient significant rise in the first 2 h followed by a second rise after 3h. In contrast the controls showed a significant fall in these metabolites during the initial 2 h, before a rise after 3 h. The significance of these hormonal and metabolic responses is discussed.