Glucagon Administration for Severe Hypoglycemia

Expected Response and Important Considerations

Glucagon will increase blood glucose levels within 5-15 minutes after administration, according to the American Diabetes Association 1
Glucagon should be prescribed for all patients at increased risk for clinically significant hypoglycemia, as recommended by the American College of Physicians and the American Diabetes Association 2, 3
Caregivers, family members, school personnel, and others in close contact with the patient should be trained on glucagon administration, as suggested by the American College of Physicians and the American Diabetes Association 2, 3
Newer intranasal and ready-to-inject glucagon preparations are now available and preferred due to their ease of administration, according to the American Diabetes Association 4

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of glucagon administration, with a lower dose of 10 mcg/kg resulting in a smaller glycemic response but less nausea, as reported by the American Diabetes Association 1
Care should be taken to replace glucagon products when they reach their expiration date, and store glucagon according to specific product instructions to ensure safe and effective use, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association 4