Pharmacology · Class
Drugs that raise blood glucose !
Drugs used to treat or prevent low blood sugar: glucagon for emergencies and diazoxide for excess insulin.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
Glucagon releases glucose from liver glycogen; diazoxide opens the beta-cell KATP channel and stops insulin release.
Mechanism of action
Glucagon activates the glucagon receptor (Gs, cAMP, protein kinase A) in the liver, which breaks down glycogen and switches on gluconeogenesis; it needs glycogen stores to work. Diazoxide, a benzothiadiazine without diuretic effect, binds SUR1 and keeps the KATP channel open, so the beta cell stays hyperpolarized and secretes less insulin.
Target: Glucagon receptor (liver) and SUR1 of the KATP channel (beta cell)
Drugs in this class
- GlucagonThe emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia when the person cannot eat: it releases the glucose stored in the liver.Glucagon receptor (GCGR)
- DiazoxideAn oral drug that opens the beta-cell potassium channel and stops insulin release. Used for hypoglycemia caused by too…Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) of the KATP channel
Others in the class
- dasiglucagon (glucagon analogue)
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why may glucagon not work in a malnourished patient with hypoglycemia?
Glucagon raises glucose mainly by breaking down liver glycogen; without glycogen stores there is little glucose to release, so IV glucose is needed.
How do diazoxide and sulfonylureas compare at the beta cell?
Both bind SUR1 of the KATP channel, but sulfonylureas close it (more insulin) and diazoxide opens it (less insulin).
What second messenger does glucagon use in the liver?
Cyclic AMP, made by adenylyl cyclase after the Gs-coupled glucagon receptor is activated; it activates protein kinase A.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Glucagon Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); DailyMed - GLUCAGON kit (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); DailyMed - DIAZOXIDE suspension (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.