Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It is involved in controlling blood glucose. Glucagon works in partnership with the hormone insulin to keep blood glucose levels balanced. Glucagon is released to stop blood glucose dropping too low (hypoglycemia), while insulin is released to stop blood glucose levels rising too high (hyperglycemia).

Injectable glucagon is used as an emergency treatment for severe low blood glucose (severe hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes treated with insulin, especially type 1. The effect of the glucagon begins 5-15 minutes from the time of injection.

The role of glucagon in the body

  • Glucagon stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose when blood glucose levels are too low. This glucose can be released into the blood stream to keep the blood glucose levels balanced.
  • Glucagon breaks down stored fat (triglycerides) into fatty acids for use as fuel by cells
  • Glucagon activates the conversion of amino acids into glucose

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood glucose, is common in people with diabetes taking insulin or other medications and can occur with any of the following 1:

  • Delaying or missing a scheduled snack or meal
  • Excessive physical activity
  • Taking too much insulin or oral medication
  • Being sick (especially vomiting or diarrhea)
  • Fasting for a long period

Early symptoms of hypoglycemia include, but are not limited to, an anxious feeling, sweating, shakiness, irritability, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), and excessive hunger. If not treated, severe hypoglycemia may develop with symptoms that include disorientation, seizures, unconsciousness and ultimately, death.

Your doctor may prescribe injectable glucagon if you have an increased risk of level 2 hypoglycemia (defined as blood glucose of less than 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) 2.
A severe hypoglycemic episode can lead to unconsciousness. In such an emergency, you will not be able to inject yourself. Therefore it is important that people you are in close contact with learn how to detect hypoglycemia and how to inject glucagon.
Glucagon for injection comes in the form of a kit including a syringe containing liquid, and a vial containing glucagon powder. When required, the liquid in the syringe is being mixed with the glucagon powder, drawn into the syringe and injected into the buttock, arm, or thigh. Refer to the instruction guide that came with your glucagon kit for full instructions on storage, use and administration.

Remember! If you are at risk of hypoglycemia, it is important to be equipped with a glucagon syringe and to teach your close contacts like family, educational staff and co-workers how to handle it in case of emergency. A glucagon injection can really save your life.

1 Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association, 2019

2 “Complete nurse’s guide to Diabetes care” Belinda P.Childs et al American Diabetes Association

DAR-0138 RevA 12/2019