How to Give a Glucagon Shot

Diabetics have a lot to deal with. They have to plan their meals and day according to their insulin shots, they have to deal with side effects and fatigue from their condition, and if their blood sugar gets too low ( hypoglycemia ) they must work to get it back normal or face being unconscious. This unconsciousness is what is called "diabetic coma" or "insulin shock". A glucagon shot typically isn't needed until the diabetic is not able to give him/herself the shot. A friend or family member must be trained on seeing the signs of low blood sugar and when all else fails, giving the glucagon shot . Lilly, makers of many insulin related items, has a handy pamplet on giving glucagon shots.


How to Mix a Glucagon Shot

The glucagon shot is in a hard plastic case with a syringe of water and a vial of glucagon. This is what is mixed together and given as a shot. It is designed to up the diabetic's blood sugar at least 30 mg/dl in less than five minutes.

• Take the syringe and plunge the liquid in the syringe into the vial.
• Mix thoroughly until the mixture is clear and vial contents are absorbed.
• Put syringe back into vial and draw out either 0.5 ml or 1ml depending on need.

The glucagon shot is now ready to be administered to the diabetic.

How to Give a Glucagon Shot

If the diabetic has gone into unconsciousness from low blood sugar, he/she cannot help themselves.

• Turn the diabetic to his side. Sometimes they'll vomit upon coming back into consciousness.
• Pinch a section of thigh or other fatty area. With adults put needle in straight up and down and with children put needle in a 45 degree angle (they have less fat).
• Push the syringe's plunger in with the amount needed. Adults and children over 55 pounds get the whole 1ml and children under 55 pounds get 0.5ml.

Have a backup shot ready in case it is needed later but the diabetic should come around in a few minutes; he will be disoriented and need to have explained what has happened.

This is a temporary fix to low blood sugar. After regaining consciousness, he's tested his blood sugar levels with a glucose monitor, the diabetic should be fed something to keep his blood sugar up (a peanut butter sandwich is good for fast and long term blood sugar stabilization). Without giving him something to eat or drink afterwards there is a risk of hypoglycemia setting in again quickly and a new need for another shot.


Source: Lilly pamphlet
This article originally appeared June 8, 2009 at Suite 101.