Glucagon secretion in late pregnancy and the puerperium

Fasting plasma glucagon levels in late pregnancy were not significantly changed from those of nonpregnant matched control subjects, but at 6 to 8 weeks post partum a significant decrease in fasting glucagon levels was observed. Acute elevation of plasma glucose levels (via 25 Gm. intravenous glucose loading) induced a suppression of glucagon levels. This glucose-mediated glucagon suppression appeared to be less during late pregnancy which is probably related to the smaller increments of plasma glucose following intravenous loading in late pregnancy as compared to postpartum values.