Glucagon is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating blood glucose levels within the body. Individuals managing conditions like diabetes often have questions about its availability and usage. Understanding how glucagon functions and how it can be obtained is important for both patients and their caregivers.
Glucagon’s Prescription Status
Glucagon is not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. It is classified as an emergency medication, treating severe hypoglycemia, a condition of dangerously low blood sugar that can lead to unconsciousness or seizures.
Administering glucagon requires precise diagnosis and medical oversight for safe use. Improper use could pose significant health risks. Training in its administration is highly recommended for patients and caregivers. This ensures effective delivery during an urgent situation.
Glucagon’s Role in the Body
Glucagon is a peptide hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas. Its main function is to raise blood glucose levels when they fall too low, counteracting insulin’s effects. It signals the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream.
It also stimulates the liver to produce new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources through gluconeogenesis, especially during prolonged fasting. This hormone is important for individuals with diabetes on insulin therapy, who are at risk of severe hypoglycemia if blood sugar levels drop unexpectedly. In such moments, glucagon acts as a rapid rescue treatment to restore blood sugar to a safe range.
Obtaining and Administering Glucagon
Individuals who may be at risk for severe hypoglycemia, such as those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy, should discuss obtaining a glucagon prescription with their healthcare provider. This typically involves consulting with an endocrinologist or a primary care physician. Many healthcare providers may not be aware of newer, easier-to-use glucagon formulations, so it can be helpful for patients to initiate this conversation.
Glucagon is available in several forms, including traditional powder and liquid kits that require mixing, as well as newer ready-to-use options like prefilled syringes, auto-injectors, and nasal sprays. Auto-injectors and prefilled syringes offer convenience as they are premixed and ready for immediate use, often administered into the thigh, upper arm, or stomach. Nasal glucagon provides a needle-free option that can be delivered into the nose and absorbed into the bloodstream.
It is highly recommended that patients and their caregivers receive training on how and when to use glucagon in an emergency. This training should cover recognizing the symptoms of severe hypoglycemia and the specific steps for administering the prescribed form of glucagon. An emergency action plan should also be in place, ensuring that family members, friends, or school personnel know where the glucagon is stored and how to administer it quickly. After administering glucagon, it is important to turn the person on their side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs, and to seek emergency medical attention.