Are you familiar with glucagon injections and how to use it?
Glucagon is a medication used to treat severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia aka low blood sugar is typically defined by fingerstick values less than 70 mg/dl.
If you are a Diabetic, live with or care for a Diabetic (including teachers with a diabetic child in the classroom), or have a condition associated with low blood sugars -- then this information is very important to learn and share. Heck, this information is important for everyone really...as we could all be a first responder in case of a medical emergency involving hypoglycemia.
I recently was interviewed about a new intranasal version of glucagon that is currently in clinical trials, and I was reminded of the importance of instructing my Diabetics on how to use glucagon injections. Click here to check out my interview on intranasal glucagon.
All diabetics using insulin should have access to a glucagon injection to help treat severe hypoglycemia. I tell my patients this is like the equivalent of an epinephrine pen for patients with severe allergies because it can be LIFE SAVING.
Hypoglycemic symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. See the image below for depiction of the symptoms in each category. Typically the mild and moderate symptoms of hypoglycemia can be treated with glucose tablets, orange juice, sugar, candies, etc.
Today we are focusing mainly on severe hypoglycemia because these are the patients who need to receive glucagon!
What is glucagon?
Glucagon is secreted by the pancreas to help increase blood glucose levels. When the blood glucose levels are low (i.e. you are "hypoglycemic") glucagon is made by the pancreas to help increase blood glucose levels. I like to remember what glucagon does by the sound of its name which reminds me of "gluc (is) gone".
Glucagon injections are important to help bring up blood sugars quickly when one is experiencing severe hypoglycemia.
Remember - the symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include loss of consciousness (passing out), change in mental status (like confusion), inability to swallow, and seizures!
Glucagon injections could be difficult to use because it requires a few steps before administration...but if you become familiar with the steps it can be as easy as 1-2-3!
The instructions are usually in the kit itself, pictured here:
Here are 11 simple steps on how to use Glucagon:
If you or your loved one suffers from hypoglycemia, ask your doctor to prescribe them a glucagon injection kit. Even if you never use it, its best to be safe and prepared if severe hypoglycemia hits.
Hope this information helps! Please feel free to email me at DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com or ask/follow me on Twitter @Doctor_Deena
Glucagon is a medication used to treat severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia aka low blood sugar is typically defined by fingerstick values less than 70 mg/dl.
If you are a Diabetic, live with or care for a Diabetic (including teachers with a diabetic child in the classroom), or have a condition associated with low blood sugars -- then this information is very important to learn and share. Heck, this information is important for everyone really...as we could all be a first responder in case of a medical emergency involving hypoglycemia.
I recently was interviewed about a new intranasal version of glucagon that is currently in clinical trials, and I was reminded of the importance of instructing my Diabetics on how to use glucagon injections. Click here to check out my interview on intranasal glucagon.
All diabetics using insulin should have access to a glucagon injection to help treat severe hypoglycemia. I tell my patients this is like the equivalent of an epinephrine pen for patients with severe allergies because it can be LIFE SAVING.
Hypoglycemic symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. See the image below for depiction of the symptoms in each category. Typically the mild and moderate symptoms of hypoglycemia can be treated with glucose tablets, orange juice, sugar, candies, etc.
Today we are focusing mainly on severe hypoglycemia because these are the patients who need to receive glucagon!
What is glucagon?
Glucagon is secreted by the pancreas to help increase blood glucose levels. When the blood glucose levels are low (i.e. you are "hypoglycemic") glucagon is made by the pancreas to help increase blood glucose levels. I like to remember what glucagon does by the sound of its name which reminds me of "gluc (is) gone".
Glucagon injections are important to help bring up blood sugars quickly when one is experiencing severe hypoglycemia.
Remember - the symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include loss of consciousness (passing out), change in mental status (like confusion), inability to swallow, and seizures!
Glucagon injections could be difficult to use because it requires a few steps before administration...but if you become familiar with the steps it can be as easy as 1-2-3!
The instructions are usually in the kit itself, pictured here:
Here are 11 simple steps on how to use Glucagon:
If you or your loved one suffers from hypoglycemia, ask your doctor to prescribe them a glucagon injection kit. Even if you never use it, its best to be safe and prepared if severe hypoglycemia hits.
Hope this information helps! Please feel free to email me at DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com or ask/follow me on Twitter @Doctor_Deena
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