Insulin vs. Glucagon — What's the Difference?

Insulin (, from Latin insula, 'island') is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets; it is considered to be the main anabolic hormone of the body. It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein by promoting the absorption of glucose from the blood into liver, fat and skeletal muscle cells.

Glucagon is a peptide hormone, produced by alpha cells of the pancreas. It raises concentration of glucose and fatty acids in the bloodstream, and is considered to be the main catabolic hormone of the body.

A polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and functions in the regulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism, especially the conversion of glucose to glycogen, which lowers the blood glucose level. It consists of two linked polypeptide chains called A and B.

A hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates an increase in blood sugar levels, thus opposing the action of insulin.

Any of various pharmaceutical preparations containing this hormone or a close chemical analog, derived from the pancreas of certain animals or produced through genetic engineering and used in the medical treatment and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

(biochemistry) A peptide hormone, produced by the pancreas, that opposes the action of insulin by stimulating the production of sugar

A polypeptide hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism (in various animals including humans).

A hormone secreted by the pancreas; stimulates increases in blood sugar levels in the blood (thus opposing the action of insulin)

Any exogenous preparation of this hormone for use as a medication.

(broadly) Any exogenous preparation of this hormone or its analogues for use as a medication.

Hormone secreted by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas; regulates storage of glycogen in the liver and accelerates oxidation of sugar in cells