Glucagon

Question

My father has had diabetes for years, and recently, he had a severe drop in blood sugar that made him dizzy and confused. The doctor said he needed an injection of glucagon to bring his sugar levels back up. I had never heard of glucagon before, but now I want to understand it better.

How does Ayurveda view glucagon? If it’s a hormone that raises blood sugar, does that mean people with diabetes have trouble producing glucagon naturally? Can Ayurveda help balance glucagon levels without medication?

Also, I read that glucagon is important for maintaining steady energy levels. Sometimes, I feel really weak and shaky between meals. Could that mean my body isn’t releasing enough glucagon? Are there any Ayurvedic foods or herbs that naturally support healthy glucagon function?

The doctor said glucagon is the opposite of insulin. If insulin lowers sugar and glucagon raises it, does that mean someone with blood sugar issues should focus on balancing both? How does Ayurveda approach this balance?

My father also experiences sugar spikes and crashes frequently. Instead of relying on emergency glucagon injections, are there Ayurvedic remedies to keep his sugar stable throughout the day?

Are there lifestyle changes that can naturally improve glucagon function? Does exercise, sleep, or stress play a role? I want to help my father manage his condition in the best way possible.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, blood sugar regulation is linked to *Madhumeha* (diabetes), which arises from imbalances in *Kapha* and *Vata*, affecting *Agni* (digestive fire) and *Ojas* (vital energy). Glucagon, which raises blood sugar, works opposite to insulin, and its imbalance may indicate *Agni* dysfunction. If your father experiences sugar crashes, his *Jatharagni* (metabolic fire) and liver function may need support. Ayurveda recommends *Guduchi*, *Vijaysar*, and *Methi* (fenugreek) to help regulate blood sugar and prevent extreme fluctuations. Small, frequent meals with complex carbs, *Yashtimadhu* (licorice), and *Shatavari* can help maintain steady glucose levels. Weakness and shakiness between meals may indicate *Vata* imbalance, which can be managed with warm, nourishing foods and herbs like *Ashwagandha* and *Brahmi*. Lifestyle plays a key role—regular meals, light exercise like yoga, stress reduction, and quality sleep all help balance insulin and glucagon naturally. Encourage your father to avoid excessive fasting, stay hydrated, and consume *Ghee*, which supports stable energy release. Ayurveda aims for long-term stability rather than emergency corrections, so gradual dietary and lifestyle changes will be most effective.

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