Glucagon injection - used as part of the treatment of a hypoglycaemic episode
Hypoglycaemia, or a "hypo", is an abnormally low level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Hypoglycaemia is most commonly associated with insulin-dependent diabetes and mainly occurs if someone with diabetes takes too much insulin, misses a meal or exercises too hard. People who do not have diabetes can also experience hypoglycaemia, although this is much rarer. It can be triggered by malnutrition, binge drinking or certain conditions, such as Addison's disease.Central Statistics Office figures for the years 2007 to 2013 show that a total of17 people have died in Ireland during this period after suffering a hypoglycaemic episode.(Data from the CSO for 2013 is provisional. Data for 2014 is not yet available from the CSO).
The immediate treatment for a “hypo” is to have food or drink that contains sugar (such as a glass of lucozade/cola, fruit juice, or 4 to 5 dextrose or boiled sweets) in order to raise the level of sugar in the blood. If hypoglycaemia is not treated, it may lead to unconsciousness and death because there is not enough glucose for normal brain function. A Glucagon injection is used to treat severe hypoglycaemia where oral administration of glucose has failed or is not possible, in order to quickly raise blood glucose levels and restore consciousness.
Current arrangements:
If a person is at risk of a hypoglycaemic episode they may be given a prescription from their doctor for a glucagon injection. They are advised to have the glucagon injection available and ensure they know how to use it in the event of suffering an episode. If they are a young person their parents/guardians are advised to keepthe glucagon injection for them.
Risks associated with misdiagnosis of hypoglycaemia and inappropriate administration of glucagon: glucagon must not be given to people who are allergic to it. Glucagon should be administered cautiously to patients with a history of insulinoma (tumour of the pancreas), pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), or both. In the case of people with certain endocrine disorders administration of glucagon may result in a sudden and marked increase in blood pressure.
Read more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of anaphylaxis here )
QUESTIONS
Q1.Please indicate in what capacity you are responding to this questionnaire
- registered health professional☒
- carer☐
- patient organisation☐
- family☐
- patient☐
- teacher☐
- member of general public☐
- other (please specify)
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Q2.
(i) Have you or a member of your family or a person under your care ever needed to use this medicine in an emergency?
Yes☒
No☐
(ii)If so, did you experience any difficulty in obtaining it?
Yes☒
No☐
If you answered yes please provide details of the difficulties you experienced:
Q3.
(i)Do you think the current arrangements for supply and administration of glucagon injections are adequate?
Yes☐
No☒
(ii)If No, in what way are they inadequate?
Q4.Do you think non-healthcare professionals, for example carers and teachers who have undertaken appropriate training and whose organisation have been appropriately certified,should be permitted to supply and administer glucagon injection?
Yes☒
No☐
Q5.Please tick the option you agree/disagree with from the following statements
(i)Glucagon injection should be made more widely available to non-medicalpersons for use in emergency situations?
Agree☐
Disagree☒
(ii)Glucagon injection should be available in the following settings
•Schools and colleges☒
•Sports Centres☐
•Workplace☐
•Other, please specify
Q6.What do you think would be the main benefits to having wider access to glucagon injection for administration in emergency situations by appropriately trained non-medical persons who have been authorised by an approved body / organisation?
Q7.What do you think are the main disadvantages and / or safety concerns to widening the availability of glucagon injection for administration by appropriately trained non-medical persons in emergency situations?
Q8.Do you think medical identification bracelets / cards would benefit persons at risk of a severe hypoglycaemic episode?
Yes☒
No☐
Q9.In your opinion is there sufficient information available for patients about this potentially life threatening medical condition?
Yes☐
No☐
Q10.In your opinion is there sufficient information available for the general public about this potentially life threatening medical condition?
Yes☒
No☐
Please save your answers and send to the following email address:
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