Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ken Winters on August 29, 2007 at 7:43pm

It probably depends on one's hypo awareness and overall control. With 31 yrs T1, I've never used (or even owned) glucagon and I've never required paramedics. But if I ever did, I'd have glucagon on my shopping list the next day.

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Permalink Reply by Shannon Kealey on August 29, 2007 at 8:01pm

I concur with Ken. I've had diabetes for almost 20 years and I've never owned (or required) glucagon. But if I were one of those people who has a hard time sensing hypoglycemia, I'd get one for sure.

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Permalink Reply by Kristofer Ruiz on August 30, 2007 at 4:19am

My mom has always carried the glucagon around in her purse. This was in case I had a real bad low at school or something, she could rush over with it. I always carry glucose tabs and juice anyway. Besides, by the time I need the glucagon I probably won't be in any condition to use it. Kind of ironic, I guess. I think a glucagon is a handy thing for a parent/guardian/significant other to have around, should you get to the point where you can't fix it yourself. I sure can't be expected to handle a needle when I'm babbling like an idiot.

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Permalink Reply by Alison on August 30, 2007 at 5:20am

We have one in the kitchen, one in my purse, and one in his diabetes bag that we carry with us-so umm yeah we've got us some glucagon!

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Permalink Reply by Doris D on August 30, 2007 at 5:23am

I have 1 at home all the time and 1 in my purse. I love the idea b/c parametics cost alot of money and really my family can do this shot and bring me back out of a sezer or what ever, then after that I know what to do with the high it causes.

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Permalink Reply by Chloe on August 30, 2007 at 5:32am

I was never prescribed a kit, although I was given detailed instructions on how to use one by my CDE. I guess I haven't really thought about it. Because I live alone, there is no one around to give it to me anyway. Even if I went low in public (and had one on me), there are very few people who would even know what it was, much less how to use it. I guess, I would hope it would never come to that.

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Permalink Reply by Regi on August 30, 2007 at 6:11am

I do my best to avoid calling paramedics. It has been done and I'm sure it will be done again. But that event will usually take about 4-5 hours and is usually in the middle of the night. If a glucagon will do the trick and everything is all taken care of within a hour & 1/2...that means I can get back to sleep.

I Hail the Almighty Glucagod!

I used to call EMTs all the time for my husband. But, as previously noted, they cost $, takes a great deal of time because if they tap him w/ IV, we're going to the hospital, it's policy. That means we do a lot of waiting and he will not be released until he has eaten something and his BS looks good. As I said, I can do this at home with a glucagon, some juice and a sandwich. As long as he's conscious and breathing, I can get him out of danger.

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Permalink Reply by Penny R. on August 30, 2007 at 6:19am

I'm a nervous mom, so we have a Glucagon kit that I keep in a bag that we have for Riley. It's at our house. But, whenever we leave the house we take the bag with us. And, Riley's teacher has a Glucagon kit in her drawer at school. So, basically, there is a Glucagon kit wherever Riley goes. I hope to never have to use it, but if the need arises, I want to have it handy. Everyone who keeps Riley has been trained to use it also.

And, whenever I get a kit I write the expiration date on my calander. When it expires, I get another.

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Permalink Reply by Mollie on August 30, 2007 at 7:44am

i have always had a kit at home, but do not currently ---in 33 years i have needed it once---i was about 7 yrs old at the time. I had a refill but got mugged and it was in my purse...so i need to get a new prescription. I like the thought of having it around.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Stratton on August 30, 2007 at 7:52am

We have one in the diabetes bag that I carry with us everywhere we go and Isabelle's teacher has one at school. I think when you have little ones it is definately a must! When you have to rely on a 3 year old to tell you they are feeling bad you have to have some backup. :)

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Permalink Reply by Ken Winters on August 30, 2007 at 8:10am

In my initial Diabetes training (1976 Virginia Mason Clinic in Seattle), we were taught that if a Diabetic ever passed out due to a hypo, someone should turn them on their side and put 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar on the inside of their cheek. It would dissolve and they'd absorb it, awakening in a few minutes. Glucagon probably wasn't readily available back then.

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Permalink Reply by mollyjade on August 30, 2007 at 8:16am

I live alone, like Chloe, so there doesn't seem to be a point. And I don't trust anyone at my work to know the difference between high and low bloodsugar. I'd rather they call an ambulance if something goes wrong.

I used to keep a glucagon kit when I lived with my parents. We only used it once in fifteen years, and they still ended up calling an ambulance. I learned the very important lesson never to take a nap when I have a headache without testing first.

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