Understanding the Risks and Management of Very Low Blood Sugar Levels
If you or a loved one has diabetes, you know how important it is to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. But even when you’re carefully watching your diet, taking medications as prescribed, and checking your blood sugar levels regularly, low blood sugar can still occur. Very low blood sugar is unpredictable and can be dangerous — even life-threatening. If you’re unsure how low is too low for your blood sugar, watch this video from Dr. E and Dr. P for more insights.
That’s why it’s important to be informed about the latest guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The new recommendations say that people taking insulin or who are at high risk of low blood sugar should have a prescription for ready-to-use glucagon.
Who’s at High Risk for Hypoglycemia?
The guidelines say that people who take insulin, sulfonylureas, or meglitinides are at increased risk for very low blood sugar. If that’s you or someone you care for, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider about your risk. For more in-depth information on preventing low blood glucose, visit this resource from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
What Is Glucagon?
Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream when your blood sugar levels are too low. Glucagon is also available as a prescription medication and is used to treat people with diabetes who experience very low blood sugar.
What Do the Guidelines Say about Glucagon for Hypoglycemia Treatment?
The new guidelines recommend that individuals taking insulin or at high risk for low blood sugar should have a prescription for ready-to-use glucagon. Premixed options allow for quick and simple administration for you or for those around you who are in a low blood sugar emergency. It also can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones when it comes to being ready to treat very low blood sugar. Staying updated on the latest in glucagon use, including mini-dosing, can significantly boost your confidence in managing hypoglycemia.
How to Ensure Your Diabetes Management Plan Aligns with the Current Guidelines for Very Low Blood Sugar:
Use the checklist below to make sure you are prepared for the unexpected.
- Revisit your emergency plans and toolkit. Take a fresh look at your low blood sugar emergency plan and diabetes toolkit. Your diabetes toolkit should have glucose tablets or gel, candy, juice, and ready-to-use glucagon.
- Learn about glucagon options.
- Get a prescription for ready-to-use glucagon and fill it right away. Always keep it with you.
- Ensure you know when to use ready-to-use glucagon:
- If correcting with food or drink isn’t working
- If you’re unable to swallow safely
- If you feel like passing out*, if you pass out, or if you have a seizure.
- Educate friends, family, and coworkers about the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and what they can do to support you should a low blood sugar emergency occur. That includes knowing where to find your ready-to-use glucagon and how and when to use it.
Given the latest guideline updates, having ready-to-use glucagon is no longer just a suggestion, but an essential part of a hypoglycemia care plan for people on insulin or who are at high risk for low blood sugar. You deserve to feel equipped, supported, and empowered in your diabetes management by having a safety net for when you need it most and being prepared to treat very low blood sugar no matter what.
*Ready-to-use glucagon can be used even before you or the person you’re helping passes out or has a seizure.
Regarding the use of GVOKE if you have adrenal gland problems, specifically, Adrenal Insufficiency:
Could you please expound on this? Also, is there a preferred glucagon product that is safer for those with Adrenal Insufficiency? thank you for any information you can supply.
Hi Roseanne,
Thanks so much for your question. If you have adrenal insufficiency, it would be best for you to discuss the use of glucagon with your healthcare team. For Gvoke and all other forms of glucagon, concerns with adrenal insufficiency fall into the “Warnings & Precautions” labeling for all glucagon products. In these situations, the preferred method of treatment is glucose. This is class labeling across all glucagon products.
Here is the exact wording from the package insert:
GVOKE is effective in treating hypoglycemia only if sufficient hepatic glycogen is present. Patients in states of starvation, with adrenal insufficiency or chronic hypoglycemia may not have adequate levels of hepatic glycogen for GVOKE administration to be effective. Patients with these conditions should be treated with glucose.
Again, best for you to speak with your healthcare provider, and good for you for being proactive about this topic.
What about basquami? Is it as effective as the other solutions you mentioned?
Yes, absolutely! Another great option to treat severe low blood sugar.