• Hyperglucagonemia may be involved in the diabetic complications, such as diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
• Increased fasting and postchallenge glucagon levels were mildly correlated with decreased glomerular filtration rate and increased albuminuria.
• The prevalence of DKD showed an increasing trend with increasing quartiles of either fasting or postchallenge glucagon levels.
• Hyperglucagonemia in the top quartile of fasting or postchallenge glucagon was associated with an increased risk of DKD.