Final answer:
Glucagon is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown and glucose synthesis, counteracting hypoglycemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucagon is a hormone released from the alpha cells of the pancreas when blood sugar levels are low. This condition is known as hypoglycemia. In response to hypoglycemia, glucagon stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose, a process known as glycogenolysis, and to synthesize glucose through gluconeogenesis. Consequently, glucagon administered as GlucaGen is indeed taken to increase blood sugar levels to counteract hypoglycemia. Moreover, glucagon's actions elevate fatty acid levels in the blood by stimulating adipose cells. The mechanism of glucagon is essential for maintaining the homeostasis of blood glucose levels in conjunction with insulin, participating in a negative feedback system that inhibits further glucagon secretion when glucose levels rise.