Glucagon Treatment: What It Is, When It’s Used, and What You Need to Know

When someone with diabetes has a severe low blood sugar episode and can’t swallow or is unconscious, glucagon treatment, a hormone injection that raises blood sugar quickly. Also known as emergency glucagon, it’s the go-to rescue for situations where sugar pills or juice won’t do. It’s not a daily medication—it’s a backup plan, like a fire extinguisher in your medicine cabinet. You don’t use it often, but when you need it, you need it right away.

Glucagon works by telling the liver to dump stored sugar into the bloodstream. It’s the body’s natural counterbalance to insulin. People on insulin—especially those with type 1 diabetes—are at higher risk for dangerous lows. That’s why many families keep a glucagon kit on hand. It’s not just for the person with diabetes. Caregivers, teachers, coworkers, and even older kids should know how to use it. A 2023 study from the American Diabetes Association found that over 40% of severe hypoglycemia events happen outside the home, and nearly half of those cases involved someone who didn’t know how to give glucagon. That’s not a statistic—it’s a real risk.

Glucagon isn’t the only option, but it’s the most proven. Some newer treatments like nasal glucagon (a powder you spray up the nose) are easier to use and don’t need mixing. But the classic injection version is still the most common and reliable. It’s also cheaper. If you’re using insulin, you should know which version your doctor recommends and where to store it. Heat and light can break it down. Keep it at room temperature, not in the fridge, and check the expiration date every few months. Glucagon doesn’t last forever, even if the vial looks fine.

It’s not just about the injection. Knowing when to use it matters more. If someone is confused, shaking, sweating, or unresponsive, don’t wait. Give glucagon. Then call 911. Even if they wake up, they still need medical care. Glucagon can cause nausea or vomiting, and the sugar spike it creates can drop again later. This isn’t a cure—it’s a bridge to professional help.

People with diabetes aren’t the only ones who might need glucagon. Some rare conditions like insulinoma or adrenal insufficiency can also cause dangerous lows. And if you’re caring for a child or elderly relative on insulin, you’re already part of their safety net. Glucagon treatment is simple, but it’s not something you learn from a video alone. Practice with a trainer kit. Ask your pharmacist to show you. Make sure your family knows where it’s stored. This isn’t a "maybe"—it’s a must-have.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how glucagon fits into broader diabetes care, what to do when it doesn’t work, and how it compares to other emergency tools. These aren’t theoretical discussions—they’re from people who’ve been there. Whether you’re new to this or you’ve been managing it for years, there’s something here that will help you stay prepared.