Diabetes: How to Give Glucagon

Overview

People with diabetes sometimes get very low blood sugar. If they are unconscious, they need glucagon right away.

Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar quickly. It can be given as a shot or as a powder that's sprayed into the nose.

If someone close to you has diabetes, you may need to give them the glucagon shot or nose spray during a low blood sugar emergency.

Learn the steps for how to give glucagon either as a shot or a nose spray. Keep the instructions with the medicine. Review the steps often, and check the expiration date on the glucagon medicine.