by Tina Samuels

Created on: June 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 14, 2009

Diabetics know that at any time their blood sugar could drop and they'll need emergency treatment. Deadly low blood sugar can come on fast and strong, and is why others need to learn how to give a diabetic a glucagon shot when needed. When hypoglycemia sets in, diabetics should always have a glucagon shot nearby. This is a prescription item that will give glucagon quickly into the body of the diabetic experiencing low blood sugar. So what is glucagon, how should you store it, and how do you give a glucagon shot?

What is Glucagon?

Glucagon is a hormone from the pancreas that activates the liver to put out stored sugar into the bloodstream. When glucagon is given via a special shot, it is meant to up the blood sugar by at least 30mg/dl within 5 minutes. If the time comes when a diabetic needs a glucagon shot he/she will be unable to give it. Because of this, it's crucial for the diabetic to teach friends and family how to use the glucagon shot and when it should be administered.

Giving a Glucagon Shot

There are instructions inside of each glucagon shot kit, however, when it's time to use the shot there won't be much time to review them. Read the instructions clearly before you need to administer the shot. You will need to plunge a syringe full of purified water into the vial, shake thoroughly until mixed and clear, and then pull this liquid back into the syringe. For adults and children over 55 pounds you will need to use an entire syringe full (1ml), but for children under 55 pounds you will need only half (0.5 ml).

Storing a Glucagon Shot

It is equally important that diabetics and those close to them know how to to properly store glucagon. The expiration date should be checked every so often and replaced as needed. The shot should stay in the hard plastic case that it comes in, complete with a "cheat sheet" guide to giving the shot and with the full paper instructions. This kit needs to be in room temperature, away from any temperature highs and lows. It should not be in sunlight. Do not store any remaining liquid once the water and the vial have been mixed, discard immediately after use.

After using a glucagon shot make sure that the person administering it has called for medical personnel. Also, give the diabetic sugar sodas or juice to raise the blood sugar back to normal as hypoglycemia can set back in quickly after the initial raised levels. Follow up throughout the day with blood sugar monitoring to make sure that the blood sugar stays in the normal range and don't drop again.

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