Glucagon is a natural hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a role in regulating blood sugar. Its primary function is to quickly raise dangerously low blood sugar levels, known as severe hypoglycemia. This hormone acts by prompting the liver to release glucose, which is stored in the form of glycogen, into the bloodstream. Administering glucagon is an emergency treatment designed to quickly restore blood glucose to safe levels when an individual with diabetes is unable to consume carbohydrates orally.
Recognizing the Need for Glucagon
Prompt recognition of severe hypoglycemia is important. This condition occurs when blood glucose levels drop dangerously low, below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms can appear quickly and may include confusion, disorientation, slurred speech, or unusual behavior.
Other symptoms include clumsiness, loss of coordination, or an inability to eat or drink. In more severe instances, symptoms can progress to muscle weakness, drowsiness, seizures, or loss of consciousness. If left untreated, severe hypoglycemia can lead to brain or organ damage, or even be fatal.
Step-by-Step Administration
A glucagon emergency kit contains a vial of powdered glucagon and a syringe pre-filled with sterile water. Open the kit, remove the plastic cap from the vial, and take the needle cover off the pre-filled syringe.
Insert the needle into the center of the rubber stopper on the glucagon vial and push the plunger to inject all the liquid from the syringe into the vial. Without removing the needle, gently shake or roll the vial until the powder completely dissolves and the solution becomes clear and colorless. Once mixed, draw the entire solution back into the syringe, ensuring no air bubbles remain.
Select an injection site, such as the outer thigh, upper arm, or buttocks. Clean the chosen area with an alcohol swab. Pinch the skin gently with one hand and, with the other, insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle, or straight down. Push the plunger all the way down to inject the medication, then pull the syringe straight out of the skin.
Post-Injection Care and Important Considerations
Immediately after administering glucagon, call for emergency medical help (e.g., 911 or your local emergency services). This is advised even if the person regains consciousness, as further medical assessment may be necessary. Glucagon can cause nausea or vomiting, so turn the person onto their side to reduce the risk of choking.
The individual should regain consciousness within 15 minutes of the injection. Once they are awake and able to swallow safely, provide a fast-acting source of carbohydrates, such as fruit juice, glucose tablets, or hard candy. This should be followed by a longer-acting carbohydrate, like crackers and cheese or a small sandwich, to help prevent blood sugar from dropping again.
Blood sugar levels should be monitored closely for three to four hours after the injection. Glucagon kits should be stored at room temperature and protected from light. Always check the expiration date and replace the kit before it expires. Common side effects of glucagon include nausea, vomiting, or a temporary increase in heart rate. Used syringes and needles must be disposed of properly in a sharps container to ensure safety.