Hypoglycemia Unawareness Prevention: Targeting Glucagon Production

Author

Willis K. Samson
Lauren M. Stein
Mollisa Elrick
Alison Salvatori
Grant Kolar, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
John A. Corbett
Gina L.C. Yosten, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

Insulin-dependent individuals with diabetes are at risk for a severe hypoglycemic event that may predispose them to several repeat episodes during which the normal counter regulatory mechanisms that protect against hypoglycemia fail to be activated. This state of hypoglycemia unawareness is characterized by a failure of glucagon release, preventing mobilization of endogenous glucose stores from the liver. We describe the discovery of a novel hormone, produced in pancreatic delta cells, which stimulates glucagon production and release, particularly under low glucose conditions. We hypothesize that this hormone, called neuronostatin, may be effective as a co-therapy with insulin to prevent repeated, potentially fatal episodes of recurrent hypoglycemia.

Recommended Citation

W. K. Samson et al., "Hypoglycemia Unawareness Prevention: Targeting Glucagon Production," Physiology and Behavior, vol. 162, pp. 147 - 150, Elsevier, Jan 2016.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.04.012

Department(s)

Biological Sciences

Comments

National Institutes of Health, Grant 121456

Keywords and Phrases

Glucagon; Hypoglycemia; Insulin; Neuronostatin

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1873-507X; 0031-9384

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

15 Jan 2016

PubMed ID

27080082