Glucagonoma is an alpha-cell tumor of pancreas.
Mnemonic: 6 D’s
1. Diabetes
- Mechanism: Glycogenolysis, Gluconeogenesis and inhibition of glycolysis
2. Dermatitis (Necrolytic migratory erythema)
- Mechanism: Hypoalbuminemia (albumin is required for carrying zinc and essential fatty acids) and Amino acid deficiency (tryptophan which is required for function of niacin) deficiency
3. Declining weight
- Mechanism: Catabolic action of glucagon
4. Diarrhea
- Mechanism: Gastrin secretion
5. Deep vein thrombosis
- Mechanism: Increased production of factor X like molecule by pancreatic alpha cells
6. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Mechanism: Binding and activation of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) in heart
