| Abstract: | Currently, the clinical dynamics of glucagon need to be revised based on previous data obtained from conventional glucagon radioimmunoassays. In the present study, we evaluated plasma glucagon levels in type 1 diabetes patients using a newly‐developed sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and its association with clinical parameters and markers of diabetes complications were statistically assessed. The plasma glucagon level in 77 Japanese type 1 diabetes patients was 28.1 ± 17.7 pg/mL, and comparable with that reported previously for type 2 diabetes patients. However, the values were widely spread and did not correlate with plasma glucose values. Additionally, the average glucagon levels in patients in a hypoglycemic state (glucose level <80 mg/dL) did not increase (21.7 ± 12.2 pg/mL). The average glucagon level of patients experiencing hypoglycemia unawareness was significantly lower. Plasma glucagon levels evaluated using the new enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were dysregulated in type 1 diabetes patients in respect to plasma glucose levels, suggesting dysregulation of secretion. |
