CAT 1 Glucagon

Question 1

What is glucagon

Answer 1

A pancreatic hormone produced by alpha cells.
Glucagon secretion is stimulated by the ingestion of protein, by low blood glucose concentration and by exercise

Question 2

What does glucagon do

Answer 2

Raises the concentration of glucose and stimulates gluconeogenesis which is the production of glucose from amino acids.

Induces the release of glucose from the liver into the blood stream to raise blood sugar

Plays a critical role in maintaining blood glucose concentrations during fasting and exercise.

Essentially glucagon is the OPPOSITE OF INSULIN

Question 3

Indications of glucagon

Answer 3

Hypoglycaemia especially in diabetics

Clinically suspected hypoglycaemia where oral glucose is not possible

The unconscious patient where hypoglycaemia is considered the likely cause

Question 4

Contraindications and cautions of glucagon

Answer 4

Low glycogen stores (recent use of glucagon)
Hypoglycaemic seizures

Avoid IM injections in a patient that may require thrombolysis

Question 5

Dose and presentation of glucagon

Answer 5

1mg of powder for reconstitution with water for injection
Dose:
Birth = 100mcg
1mth - 7 yrs = 500mcg
8yrs - adult = 1mg

Question 6

Side effects of glucagon

Answer 6

Nausea & vomiting
Diarrhoea
Acute hypersensitivity reaction
Hypokalaemia
Hypotension

Question 7

Aftercare & advice of glucagon

Answer 7

Can take up to 10 mins to work

Once glucagon has been used the bodies glycagon stores are used. This will need to be replenished.

Glucagon may be ineffective on newborns.

Consider alternative treatment methods if possible eg oral glucose, IV glucose