Glucagon for Severe Hypoglycemia
Severe low blood sugar can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be life-threatening as long as you’re prepared. Glucagon is the most effective way to treat severe hypoglycemia when oral sugar isn’t an option.
This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare or diabetes care team before making any changes to your diabetes treatment or daily management.
What is Glucagon?
Glucagon is a hormone that increases the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, in regions called the islets of Langerhans. When blood sugar levels drop too low, glucagon is released and signals the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.
In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin, but the production of glucagon may also be impaired which further increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
For this reason, everyone who uses insulin is advised to always have glucagon on hand especially in situations where there is a risk of losing consciousness or when the person is unable to take sugar by mouth.
Modern Glucagon Products
Glucagon is a hormone of critical importance for maintaining glucose homeostasis in the body. Its primary role is to stimulate the liver to release stored glycogen during hypoglycemic episodes, thereby providing a rapid correction of low blood sugar levels.
In the past, glucagon administration required a complicated preparation process in emergency situations. However, today’s pharmaceutical innovations offer significantly simpler, more reliable, and more user-friendly delivery options.
Below is an overview of the most notable modern glucagon products currently available on the market.
Baqsimi – Intranasal Glucagon
BAQSIMI is the first and only dry glucagon formulation in the form of a nasal spray, approved for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in individuals aged 4 years and older. It was originally developed by Eli Lilly and is currently produced and distributed by Amphastar Pharmaceuticals. This product is considered revolutionary for its simplicity: it requires no mixing or injection and is administered with a single spray into the nostril.
Key Benefits
No injection or mixing required
Effective even if the person is unconscious or congested
Easy to use — single spray into the nostril
Room temperature stable
Compact for travel or daily carry
Each dose of BAQSIMI contains 3 mg of glucagon and is intended for emergency situations when oral glucose administration is not possible.
Usage Guidelines
✅ Designed for use when the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow
✅ No active inhalation needed
✅ Ensure it’s stored accessibly and within expiry date
Always check the expiration date and make sure Baqsimi is easily accessible if you use insulin therapy.
Gvoke– Stable Liquid Glucagon
GVOKE HypoPen and GVOKE PFS (pre-filled syringe) are the first stable liquid formulations of glucagon available as an autoinjector and pre-filled syringe. Both products are developed and manufactured by Xeris Pharmaceuticals. These forms eliminate the need for reconstitution, which was a common source of error with older emergency kits during critical moments.
Key Benefits:
- Ready to use liquid — no mixing
- Works like an EpiPen — easy for non-medical users
- Room temperature stable
- Ideal for caregivers or bystanders to administer in emergencies
GVOKE has demonstrated high efficacy in clinical trials, and its stable formulation supports broader use and greater user confidence.
Usage Guidelines
✅ Make sure caregivers know how to use it in advance
✅ Always check expiry
✅ Use only on the outer arm, thigh, or stomach
Zegalogue – Synthetic Glucagon
ZEGALOGUE, developed by Zealand Pharma, contains dasiglucagon a synthetic analog of natural glucagon known for its exceptionally fast onset of action and high stability. It is intended for use in adults and children aged 6 and older during severe hypoglycemic events that require immediate intervention.
Key Benefits:
Faster onset than traditional glucagon
No reconstitution required
Highly stable liquid formulation
Innovative synthetic design for consistent dosing
Although still in the process of wider market distribution, ZEGALOGUE is regarded as a significant advancement in modern emergency diabetes treatment.
Usage Guidelines
✅ Watch the official video before use
✅ Consult your doctor or endocrinologist for training
✅ Confirm the device is within expiry and stored properly
Comparison of Modern Glucagon Products
| Product | Manufacturer | Approved Age | Formulation | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAQSIMI | Amphastar (originally Eli Lilly) | 4+ | Dry nasal powder | Single spray into nostril |
| GVOKE | Xeris Pharmaceuticals | 2+ | Stable liquid (auto-injector or pre-filled syringe) | Injection into arm, thigh, or abdomen |
| ZEGALOGUE | Zealand Pharma | 6+ | Synthetic liquid glucagon (dasiglucagon) | Auto-injector or pre-filled syringe |
All information about the use of glucagon (including GVOKE®, BAQSIMI® and ZEGALOGUE®) is based on publicly available sources and official educational materials from the manufacturers.
Before using any medication or medical device, be sure to consult with your endocrinologist, primary care physician, or pharmacist.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information, visit the official websites of the manufacturers and follow their instructions and recommendations.
Traditional Injectable Glucagon Kits
Before the development of modern glucagon delivery methods, emergency glucagon kits were the standard option for treating severe hypoglycemia. These kits typically produced by manufacturers like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk contained a vial of dried glucagon and a syringe with diluent. In an emergency, they had to be mixed immediately before use, which many found complicated and stressful in urgent situations.
Although newer options like BAQSIMI and GVOKE have made administration much easier, traditional kits are still in use particularly in situations where mini-doses of glucagon are required (small, off-label doses used during illness, vomiting, or when the person can’t eat).
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Learn how to properly administer glucagon. Practicing with trainer devices (dummy kits) can be helpful in emergency situations. Show your child or their school where the glucagon kit is kept and how to use it.
Want to learn more about hypoglycemia? For more information about the symptoms, causes, and prevention of low blood sugar, click the button below.
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