Glucagon treatment... Diabetes Australia

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06 July 2010

Diabetes Awareness Week 2010

Diabetes Australia-NSW will be spreading the message across the state about the link between diabetes and kidney disease this Diabetes Awareness Week from 11-17 July.

25 June 2010

Congratulations to Jimmy Little on success at APRA awards

Diabetes Australia-NSW would like to congratulate Jimmy Little after he was recognised on Monday for his achievements in music.

07 July 2010

New type 2 diabetes medication may help in type 1

A new medication for type 2 diabetes may also benefit those with type 1, reducing the rise in blood glucose levels following a meal and possibly lowering insulin needs.

29 June 2010

Insulin pump prevents night-time hypos

A special insulin pump which uses continuous glucose monitoring to predict hypoglycaemia and stop delivering insulin can help reduce the number of overnight hypos, according to a new study.

Information for friends and family:
Glucagon treatment for severe hypoglycaemia

A glucagon injection is used in severe cases of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) where the person is unconscious or unable to swallow safely. While paramedics and relevant health professionals are trained on how and when to inject glucagon, people close to the person with diabetes may not know anything about it.

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels. It has the opposite action of insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels by helping glucose move out of the blood and into the cells of the body, where the glucose can be used as energy.

If the hypo is mild or moderate, the person with diabetes is generally able to treat themselves with carbohydrate food and/or drink. However, if the hypo is severe and the person is unconscious or unable to swallow safely, an injection of glucagon is an important form of emergency treatment.

In this instance, a second person, which could be family members or friend, especially if emergency services are not immediately available, will need to give the glucagon injection.

Glucagen HypoKit
The Glucagen HypoKit is a man-made form of human glucagon, manufactured by genetic engineering, and is usually given by injection into a large muscle like the thigh or arm. It can be bought on prescription at the chemist and contains glucagon in powder form and a liquid. The two are mixed just before administration.

The directions for mixing and injecting are printed on the packaging – but because the HypoKit is designed to be used in emergencies, it is best for people to become familiar with these beforehand. That’s why it is important for people at risk of severe hypoglycaemia episodes to teach a friend, relative or colleague how to give glucagon, especially if they are in a remote location far from help.

If a situation arises where a person with diabetes is suffering from a severe hypo and is unconscious or unable to swallow safely:

Place them on their side, making sure their airway is clear
Call an ambulance and say it is a ‘diabetes emergency’
Inject glucagon only if you are trained to do so.

The person should wake up after five to 10 minutes, although they may feel nauseous and have a headache. Monitor their blood glucose level closely. Once they regain consciousness and are able to swallow safely, give them some carbohydrate food and/or drink.

A prescription for Glucagon should be obtained from the doctor of the person with diabetes. Always make sure the doctor is aware of the medical history of the person with diabetes. If the HypoKit is prescribed, it must be used exactly as directed. It should be stored as recommended in an easily accessible place. The expiry date should be checked regularly.