It is also used to treat severe hypoglycemia, which is when a person is unable to take in a sugar source orally. Glucagon kits contain an injectable source of glucagon and a syringe, which can be prepared and injected into a large muscle area, such as the upper arm, thigh or buttocks.
Glucagon works quickly, usually in about 15 minutes. A hypoglycemic emergency requires someone to stay with the person until their blood sugar returns to a normal range. If no improvement is seen in the person's condition, 911 should be called.
People with diabetes who are on insulin, or who experience severe hypoglycemia on certain oral diabetes medications, should carry a glucagon kit with them at all times.
Source:
Recognize Medical Emergencies. (5/10/2007). In ADAM Illustrated Health Encyclopedia [Web]. Retrieved Feb. 20, 2009, from http://adam.about.com/care/diabetes/diabetes_step10.html
