Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Katie B on June 18, 2008 at 8:11pm

As the parent of a T1 toddler, I ABSOLUTELY keep glucagon in the house. We actually have two kits -- one that stays home in the medicine cabinet, and one that goes everywhere my son goes in his diabetes bag.

Though we haven't had to administer full-blown glucagon due to a severe low, we did use the mini-glucagon rescue protocol when my son was sick with a stomach bug and we were struggling to keep his BG out of the 60s.

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Permalink Reply by landileigh on June 18, 2008 at 10:03pm

my glucagon kit is in my purse and goes everywhere i go. no matter what.

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Permalink Reply by Chadd on June 19, 2008 at 12:30am

As far as I remember of being a diabetic I have had a Glucagon kit. I'm not sure what my parents did when I was young at age 4, but I remember having one for bee stings and another for diabetes. I've had mine use mine couple of times when out in public, cause I get to cranky to check my levels, just thinking I'm tired, but in deed that I'm low.

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Permalink Reply by tmana on July 12, 2008 at 7:34pm

As a T2 controlled by diet and exercise, I've never needed one. However, reading through all the stories of people who have needed, or could have used, it, I've come to understand the following:

• Most first-response rigs are not equipped with either glucometers or glucagon
• Basic-level EMTs are not trained in the administration of either glucagon or epi-pens, and are therefore prohibited from using them, even in time of need. They are not trained in the operation of glucometers, so, ditto...
• Depending on the area in which you live, first responders can take anywhere from five minutes to over an hour to respond to a call
• There have been instances in which people have died due to non-administration of glucagon -- either due to inavailability, or to there not being a first-responder trained to administer glucagon, or both

So... if you are in a position to have/need a glucagon kit, you should probably

• keep a non-expired kit with you at all times
• always make sure that at least one person, anywhere you go, knows how to check your blood glucose levels and how (and when) to administer glucagon

Additionally, if your local Volunteer Rescue Squad are the first responders, see if you can work with them and their associated hospital on a non-emergency basis to get them trained in glucometer use and glucagon administration, given instructions to do so from the emergency-room doctors on the other end of the radio.

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Permalink Reply by Lee Ann on July 12, 2008 at 8:31pm

I've heard from others that not every EMS worker is trained and able to start an IV dextrose drip or administer glucagon, and if that's the case, you had better hope your hospital is super close or you'll be SOL. In the 30 years I've had the 'betes, I've gotten it a few times, but I can't recall how many because most of those incidents were a long time ago. As an adult, I've had two incidents of severe overnight lows for which my boyfriend called EMS. The first time, I didn't have glucagon, but luckily the paramedics started a dextrose drip. After that, I've always kept one, and that same boyfriend had occasion to use it about a year later. I have a couple kits now. My hubby keeps one in his nightstand. I don't carry one with me day to day, but if we travel, I always have a kit. I have heard that despite the expiration date, they don't really go bad. Nonetheless, I replace mine every couple of years or so.

IMO, it's careless to not keep one and an unnecessary tempting of fate. Even if you get an EMS crew that can treat you, do you really want to wait 5 or 10 or 15 minutes (or even longer depending on where you live) for them to get there?

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Permalink Reply by MelissaBL on July 12, 2008 at 8:41pm

Wow. The answers seem to differ here. I'll admit that I don't keep one. And I blame the expiration periods. I've never needed it in 18 years and have never had any issues with hypo unawareness (like many have said, knock on wood). My parents always kept one on hand in the first few years post-DX. The expiration was always the issue, as was the price. We just couldn't keep it. Since my father is a paramedic, I trust EMTs and paramedics to know how to administer it and I know they keep it in the ambulance.

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Permalink Reply by tmana on July 12, 2008 at 9:11pm

I have been told by several people that *basic* EMT curriculum does not include *anything* that involves needles or injections. I also know from experience that not all ambulances keep anything for treating low blood glucose -- which is par for the course if the responders have not been trained in the use of said remedies.

Some of the *advanced* levels of EMT training do include certification for administering injectables and IVs, as does Paramedic training.

It all depends on the area you are in and the training-level of your first-responders.

http://www.diabeticconnect.com/discussions/247?last_viewed_at=2008-... -- a case in which the first responders did *not* have glucagon on-hand and did *not* arrive "in time"...

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Permalink Reply by MelissaBL on July 13, 2008 at 3:02pm

You are right. I hadn't considered that not all areas have the same training for first-responders. I asked my father about this today - a 30+ year veteran of a large urban fire dept. He says that yes, many first-responders are not trained in this (though here in Texas they generally are), but the good news is that most states are beginning to train EMTs and paramedics in injection administration so that they can give flu shots in their communities. He also said that glucagon is not carried in a lot of ambulances and that more often than not, D50 (a dextrose drip) is what they ordinarily administer to unconscious diabetics on the scene. I've seen a paramedic administer glucagon before, but apparently it may not be common.

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Permalink Reply by Kristin on July 13, 2008 at 1:07am

I also carry it with me AT ALL TIMES, though I have never had to use it and I feel my lows. Even if other people or the EMTs don't know to use it, my husband and anyone else who knows me does.

The other day, I had an extreme low and given the amount of insulin in my system, I was unsure how quickly I would drop. I treated the low and showed an acquaintance how to use it if I were to pass out (admittedly, it did freak him out). Also, if I have an extreme low in public or while exercising, I carry it in my hand. So that if anything happens someone will see it. At worst, the EMTs.

I also wrote about it on my medical ID bracelet (which actually broke a year ago and I still haven't gotten a new one...).

OK, writing all this down just made me realize that I am paranoid :) But... better safe than sorry. I have to carry my meter around at all times anyway, so I might as well throw the glucagon in too!

They are extremely expensive, if your insurance doesn't cover it, and they expire too quickly, but you can get ones that are good for 2 years (I think). Before you fill the prescription, ask what the expiration date is!! And it is better to carry around an expired glucagon than no glucagon.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on July 13, 2008 at 8:30am

I got one when I was first diagnosed and it sat in the fridge for years after it expired. I now live alone and can't see the use of having one. My cats don't know how to give injections. I've heard of some people actually giving themselves the injection but if I'm aware enough to do that, I'm just going to eat/drink something instead. I've been given glucagon by paramedics and it was horrible.

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Permalink Reply by diabeticidol 94 on July 13, 2008 at 3:22pm

Yes! you should have the kit just in case. Mine always expires so thats a good thing. But you never know ambulance could not get there in time. And a family member could have started you back by the time they caome so YES! ABSOULETY MANNY. BE SAFE.diabeticidol94

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Permalink Reply by Dana Clark on July 13, 2008 at 8:21pm

Every time I refill my Glucagon perscript I get two... one for my purse I have at all times and one for my office desk. I train those around me what to do "just in case" and I'll warn them if I'm having a low and not feeling so hot. Never had to use one, just keep 'em around!

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