What it is
Glucagon is a natural hormone made by the pancreas. It tells the liver to release stored sugar into the blood.
As a medicine, it is used as an emergency rescue for severe low blood sugar, when a person cannot safely eat or drink. It is also used by doctors to relax the gut during some imaging tests.
US regulatory status
FDA-approved for severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes (several products, including ready-to-use pens, kits and a nasal powder) and as a diagnostic aid in radiology.
What the research shows
Glucagon has long been the standard rescue treatment for severe low blood sugar. Newer ready-to-use forms were tested in trials showing they raise blood sugar reliably and are easier for caregivers to give than older mix-before-use kits.
How it is given
Injection (autoinjector, prefilled syringe or kit) or nasal powder
Commonly reported side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
- Nose and eye irritation (nasal form)
- Fast heartbeat
Questions to ask your provider
- Which glucagon product is easiest for my family to use?
- Who should be trained to give it to me?
- What should happen after a rescue dose is given?