When your child has a severe low blood glucose, you and your family members will need to act quickly. Become familiar with the instructions for using the Glucagon Emergency Kit before a low blood glucose happens.
The kit contains everything you need in case your child has a severe low blood glucose. The kit includes a bottle of glucagon (the dry powder) and a syringe of clear liquid.
Glucagon is safe; it is a hormone made in the pancreas and raises blood glucose. There is no danger of taking too much. Possible side effects are nausea and vomiting. If your child is unconscious, having uncontrolled jerking (seizures), or can't swallow, you should always give glucagon -- even if you are not sure your child's blood glucose is low.
Points to Remember
- Storage
- Store glucagon at controlled room temperature (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Never leave glucagon in direct sunlight.
- Refer to package insert for further instructions.
- Expiration date
- Check the manufacturer's expiration date on the kit or on the vial that contains the glucagon powder at the time of purchase. Write the expiration date of your kit on your calendar.
- When your kit expires, practice mixing and drawing up glucagon before throwing it away.
- After mixing, solution should be clear and used immediately. Discard any unused portion and reorder kit.
How to Use the Glucagon Emergency Kit
It is important that you and your family members or friends read these instructions carefully.
- Remove the flip-off seal from the bottle of glucagon.
- Remove the needle protector from the syringe, and inject the entire contents of the syringe into the bottle of glucagon.
- Remove the syringe and shake bottle gently until liquid is clear.
- Using the same syringe, draw the glucagon into the syringe to the 0.5 mg mark (heavy black line). Give this amount unless directed otherwise.
- Insert the needle into your child's thigh and inject the entire contents of the syringe. Withdraw the needle from the skin. Turn your child onto his or her side, in case of nausea and vomiting.
- Call 911
- When the child awakens and can swallow, encourage the child to take small sips of a carb-containing fluid (fruit juice or regular pop). If tolerated, follow with 15 grams of a carb and a fat-containing food (such as cheese and crackers).
- Before the next insulin dose, call your diabetes health care provider (at 513-636-2444 press option # 9) and notify him/her that your child had a severe low blood glucose.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 11/05
