Hypoglycaemia

Question 1

What are 8 symptoms of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 1

1. Sweating
2. Feeling tired
3. Dizziness
4. Hunger
5. Tingling lips
6. Feeling shaky/trembling.
7. Palpitations
8. Irritability/mood swings

Question 2

Does hypoglycaemia require a counselling room?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

Does hypoglycaemia have a PSA self-care card?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

What is the preferred treatment option for hypoglycaemia?

Answer 4

GlucaGen Hypokit (glucagon)

Question 5

What are the directions for GlucaGen Hypokit (glucagon) in hypoglycaemia?

Answer 5

1. Call an ambulance
2. Insert the syringe into the bung in the vial
3. Shake gently
4. Draw up the dose (1 mg in patients over 25 kg, 0.5 mg in patients under 25 kg)
5. Administer via IM injection to the thigh at a 90-degree angle.

Question 6

Describe a limitation in the mechanism of action of glucagon.

Answer 6

The efficacy of glucagon depends on the availability of hepatic glycogen. Glucagon will have little or no effect if the patient is fasting or has adrenaline insufficiency, chronic hypoglycaemia or alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia.

Question 7

Is GlucaGen Hypokit (glucagon) safe in pregnancy?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

Is GlucaGen Hypokit (glucagon) safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

What is the age range for GlucaGen Hypokit (glucagon)?

Answer 9

Can be used in all ages

Question 10

Can GlucaGen Hypokit (glucagon) be provided to a third party?

Answer 10

Yes

Question 11

What is GlucaGen Hypokit (glucagon) indicated for?

Answer 11

Emergency treatment of severe hypoglycaemia in a patient using insulin and/or oral antihyperglycaemics.

Question 12

What conditions must be met for a patient to have access to GlucaGen Hypokit (glucagon) over-the-counter?

Answer 12

When a person requests glucagon without a prescription, the pharmacist should confirm that the patient has been advised by a medical or nurse practitioner, or diabetes educator, to use glucagon.

Question 13

What should be done when giving glucagon to a patient taking a beta blocker?

Answer 13

An ambulance should be called immediately as the patient may not respond to glucagon.

Question 14

What should be done when giving glucagon to a patient taking indometacin?

Answer 14

Indometacin may antagonise the effects of glucagon and may cause hypoglycaemia. Monitor for efficacy and signs of worsening hypoglycaemia.

Question 15

How long does it usually take for unconscious patients to respond to glucagon?

Answer 15

Around 6 minutes

Question 16

If a patient fails to respond to glucagon after 6 minutes, what should be done?

Answer 16

They should be given IV glucose if available. If not, after 20 minutes, the dose of glucagon can be repeated.

Question 17

After giving a patient glucagon, what should be done once they are conscious?

Answer 17

Encourage the patient to consume a fast-acting carbohydrate followed by a longer-acting carbohydrate.

Question 18

How should BGLs be monitored after using glucagon?

Answer 18

Monitor BGLs after 15 minutes, then every 1 to 2 hours for 4 hours, then return to normal testing.

Question 19

What should you advise all patients who have a hypoglycaemic episode do?

Answer 19

Follow up with their doctor as soon as possible.