Giving a Glucagon Injection
Turn the head to the side: Step 1 Back to top
Turn the person's head to the side, to prevent choking if he or she vomits.
Pinch the skin: Step 3 Back to top
Find a clean area of skin on the upper arm or thigh. Slightly pinch a fold of skin between your fingers of one hand. Hold the syringe like a pencil close to the site, keeping your fingers off the plunger.
Insert the needle: Step 4 Back to top
Try to keep the syringe at a 90-degree angle to the injection site. Quickly push the needle all the way into the pinched-up area.
Give the injection: Step 5 Back to top
Push the plunger to give the medicine. Give the amount of glucagon that the person's doctor has recommended. After you give the glucagon shot, immediately call 911 for emergency care. If emergency help has not arrived within 5 minutes and the person is still unconscious, give another glucagon shot.
Check the blood sugar level: Step 6 Back to top
Wait 5 to 10 minutes after giving the injection before checking the blood sugar. Remember, it can take 15 minutes or longer for the blood sugar to increase after the injection. Use the lancet device to prick the side of the finger. Test a small sample of blood to check the blood sugar level. Repeat this step after 30 minutes to make sure the blood sugar stays in your target blood sugar range.
Give quick-sugar food: Step 7 Back to top
If the person becomes more alert, carefully give some quick-sugar food or liquid. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.
Last Revised: June 29, 2011
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
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