You have explained joe's dehydration and low blood pressure. but he had some other unusual signs and symptoms. let's look again: joe appears confused and lethargic. he is breathing heavily and has a strong fruity odor. his respirations are more rapid than normal, 25 breaths/min, and heavy. his blood glucose is elevated at 240 mg/dl. his urine also has a lower ph than normal. insulin does not explain these problems. they are due to a hormone from the alpha cells of the pancreas − glucagon. this hormone is released in response to many stimuli, including the sympathetic nervous system. let's apply the functions of glucagon to explain why joe has a low urine ph and a fruity odor.