Glucagon

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Glucagon

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that causes the liver to release its stored sugar into the bloodstream. Glucagon is also available as a prescription medication that comes in prefilled vials and syringes and works in the same way as the natural hormone.

People with diabetes or hypoglycemia sometimes develop very low blood sugar levels. A glucagon shot increases a person's blood sugar level at least 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in about 5 minutes. If a person has a very low blood sugar level and is unconscious, or if the person cannot or will not drink or eat something containing sugar, he or she needs a glucagon shot.

Instructions for how to give a glucagon shot should be kept with the medication. The expiration date should be checked often, as most glucagon kits need to be replaced every 6 months. The shot should be given by someone who knows how to give it correctly. A person who is having a low blood sugar emergency can safely have more than one glucagon shot. The person who has received a glucagon shot needs to eat or drink at least 15 grams of carbohydrate later and have some type of protein.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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