Diabetes: How to Give Glucagon
Overview
People with diabetes sometimes get very low blood glucose (sugar). If they are unconscious, they need glucagon right away.
Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose quickly. It can be given as a shot or as a powder that's sprayed into the nose.
If someone close to you has diabetes, you may need to give them the glucagon shot or nose spray during a low blood glucose emergency.
Learn the steps for how to give glucagon either as a shot or a nose spray. Keep the instructions with the medicine. Review the steps often, and check the expiration date on the glucagon medicine.
Giving the shot
A glucagon kit has a syringe that contains liquid. The kit also has a bottle that contains the medicine, which is a powder.
Follow the instructions in the kit to mix the powder and the liquid. Put this mixture back into the syringe. Follow the directions on the package for how much medicine to give.
Giving the nasal spray
Glucagon nasal spray is absorbed through the membranes in the nose. It doesn't have to be inhaled. It will work even if the person getting the medicine has a cold. Follow the directions with the device.
- Pull on the red tab, and remove the shrink wrap from the bottle.
- Remove the nasal spray device from the bottle. Don't push the plunger until you're ready to give the medicine.
- Hold the nasal spray device between your thumb and forefingers.
- Put the tip of the device into one nostril until your fingers touch the nose.
- Push the plunger firmly until it stops. This completes the dose.
- Turn the person on their side in case of vomiting.
- Call 911.
When the person is alert and able to swallow, give a quick-sugar food like glucose tablets. Juice or regular (not diet) soda pop will also work.
If the person isn't alert in 15 minutes and you have another spray device, you can give a second dose. (Each device contains one dose.) Their blood glucose should be checked for several hours after glucagon is given.
Credits
Adaptation Date: 2/23/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Date: 2/23/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services