Insulin is often the focus of diabetes treatment, but there is another important player that deserves our attention: glucagon . Glucagon hormones play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, especially in the event of severe hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening situation.
Knowing how to properly use and store your glucagon syringes can be vital in emergencies like this. So here we go!
What does glucagon do and how does glucagon work?
Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas, more specifically by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
Its main function is to stabilize blood sugar levels by promoting the conversion of stored glucose (glycogen) in the liver into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. This process is called glycogenolysis. Glucagon also helps stimulate gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose from sources other than carbohydrates, such as amino acids and fats.
Glucagon works in the opposite way to insulin . While insulin is released in response to high blood sugar levels and lowers them, glucagon is released when blood sugar levels are low and raises them. Together, glucagon and insulin help regulate blood sugar levels.
The Glucagon Injection
In people with diabetes, glucagon injections are used as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If a diabetic (especially type 1 diabetic) has injected too much insulin or not eaten enough carbohydrates, blood sugar levels can become dangerously low.
Injecting synthetically produced glucagon tells the liver to quickly release stored glucose into the bloodstream to raise blood sugar levels. In a hypoglycemic emergency, the person may be unconscious or unable to take in sugar orally to raise blood sugar levels, so an injection of glucagon may be necessary.
Glucagon emergency injection for low blood sugar
Glucagon for injection comes in a kit with a syringe containing a liquid (sterile water) and an ampoule of glucagon in powder form .
It is carried in a bright orange case so that you or your caregiver can easily find it in an emergency. People with type 1 diabetes who are prone to severe hypoglycemia should always carry a glucagon emergency kit. After the glucagon injection, the person should regain consciousness and be able to eat within 15 minutes .
However, after the immediate crisis has subsided, it is important to contact a doctor or go to the emergency room , as severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. It is also recommended that anyone who needs to use a glucagon injection kit, such as family members or friends of a diabetic, should be trained in its use in advance.
Other forms of glucagon
Recently, other forms of glucagon have been developed for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia that do not require mixing and may therefore be more convenient to use.
Developed by Eli Lilly and Co. , BAQSIMI nasal powder glucagon offers a different, needle-free approach to administering glucagon. It is administered using a nasal spray .
Xeris Pharmaceuticals has introduced another innovative form of glucagon delivery - a premixed, shelf-stable glucagon pen called Gvoke HypoPen . It is a prefilled auto-injector pen that does not require the glucagon to be mixed.
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice regarding the use of glucagon emergency injections.
How is glucagon administered?
Administering glucagon injections is relatively simple. Anyone trained in the use of the glucagon emergency injection kit can administer glucagon . Detailed instructions for use are included in the carrying case. Here are step-by-step instructions for injecting glucagon in the event of severe hypoglycemia:
- Check the person's condition: If a person shows signs of severe hypoglycemia such as unconsciousness or convulsions and is unable to take glucose orally, glucagon should be given.
- Prepare the glucagon emergency syringe : Open the glucagon kit. Inside you will find a vial of glucagon powder and a syringe with a liquid solution.
- Mix the glucagon: Remove the cap from the syringe and insert the needle into the vial containing the glucagon powder. Push down on the plunger to inject all the liquid into the vial. Gently shake the ampoule until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear.
- To withdraw glucagon : With the needle still in the vial, turn the vial upside down. Pull the plunger back to withdraw the glucagon solution into the syringe, making sure to withdraw all of the liquid.
- To administer glucagon : Insert the needle into the patient's skin at a 90-degree angle at the chosen injection site. Push the plunger all the way down to inject the glucagon.
- Aftercare: Turn the person on their side after the injection. People with low blood sugar may be at risk of vomiting to avoid choking.
- Get medical attention : Get medical attention immediately after administering glucagon.
- Monitor the person's condition: The person should regain consciousness within 10 to 15 minutes after glucagon is administered and blood sugar levels should rise. If this does not happen, or if symptoms of severe hypoglycemia continue, seek immediate medical attention.
Remember that glucagon is a treatment for severe hypoglycemia, a serious condition that must be treated quickly . However, glucagon is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call a doctor if hypoglycemia occurs.
Finally, each person is unique, so these steps may not apply to your situation. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the glucagon kit.
Application of the glucagon injection
Glucagon injections must be given subcutaneously (just under the skin). The best injection sites are areas with a reasonable amount of fatty tissue , which tends to absorb glucagon well. The best sites are the upper arm, thigh, and bottom .
Storage of Glucagon
Glucagon emergency syringe kits should be stored in a cool, dry place until use. Here are some specific instructions for storing glucagon :
- Control the storage temperature : Store the glucagon syringe at room temperature, ideally between 20°C and 25°C. It is important to avoid high temperatures . Do not freeze the glucagon syringe or leave it in a hot car or other places where it may be exposed to high heat.
- Store in the original packaging : Store the glucagon in the original packaging until you are ready to use it. This will protect it from light and moisture.
- Check the expiration date : Pay attention to the expiration date on the glucagon kit. Expired glucagon may not work as well, so replace your emergency glucagon kit before it reaches its expiration date.
- Do not store after mixing : If you have a glucagon kit that requires mixing, the glucagon powder must be used immediately after mixing with the liquid and should not be stored for later use. Do not mix glucagon in advance.
- Dispose of it safely : Dispose of unused or expired glucagon kits safely. Your healthcare provider or local pharmacy can advise you on how to properly dispose of these kits in sharps containers .
- Keep it accessible at all times: Keep the glucagon emergency injection kit in a place that is easily accessible in case of an emergency. Carry it with you at all times.
Remember that these guidelines may vary depending on the glucagon syringe and device. Always follow the storage instructions in the package insert or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How to keep glucagon cool
As mentioned above, the glucagon emergency kit should be stored at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Temperatures above this range may affect its effectiveness.
Therefore, if you live or travel in places where outside temperatures frequently exceed 25 °C (77 °F), you should protect your glucagon injections from ambient heat.
On hot summer days, there are several measures you can take to protect your glucagon emergency syringe from excessive heat :
- Avoid direct sunlight : Never leave your glucagon kit in direct sunlight. Even on relatively mild days, the temperature in direct sunlight can be much higher than the ambient temperature.
- Don't leave it in the car : Do not leave your glucagon kit in the car, as temperatures in a parked vehicle can quickly rise significantly, even if the car is parked in the shade.
- Use an insulated cooler bag : When carrying Glcagon, you should use an insulated bag or a cooler bag with an ice pack to keep the temperature stable.
- Indoor storage: When you don't need to carry it with you, store your glucagon kit in a cool, dry space out of direct sunlight. This could be a closet, drawer, or pantry. Avoid areas near heat sources, such as the kitchen or a bathroom, which get warm and steamy.
- Travel Considerations : When traveling, you should carry your glucagon kit in your carry-on luggage rather than checking it in, as the cargo hold of an airplane can get extremely cold or hot.
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What about you? Have you ever used glucagon in an emergency? Your thoughts and experiences can enrich our discussion, so feel free to comment below. Let's continue the conversation!
