How Effective Is Glucagon for Hypoglycemia?

Blood sugar levels are controlled by two hormones produced by the pancreas: insulin and glucagon. When produced naturally, glucagon is released when blood sugar levels are low, and acts to release glucose stored by the body, raising levels in the blood. Physicians may also prescribe glucagon for hypoglycemia, another name for very low blood sugar, to normalize glucose levels. In most cases, is a very effective treatment for this condition.

Studies have shown that taking glucagon for hypoglycemia can have an almost immediate impact on glucose secretion. The body's response to glucagon is an essential defense mechanism that actively boosts blood sugar levels. Although the mechanisms that regulate the response to hypoglycemia are not entirely understood, it is believed that the glucose sensors in the brain play an important role in the regulation.

When blood sugar falls to very low levels, there are serious side effects. Early symptoms include headache, dizziness, and shakiness, among others; when blood sugar falls too low, seizures and brain damage can occur. Hypoglycemia can have a number of different causes, and glucagon many be used not only to treat the condition, but also as part of the effort to find the underlying reason why the patient is experiencing low blood sugar. If the patient suffers from reactive hypoglycemia, for example, the physician may avoid prescribing the glucagon for hypoglycemia and focus on dietary changes; in some cases, eating frequent small meals and limiting sugar could help to naturally stabilize blood sugar.

If an individual is a diabetic, hypoglycemia can occur from an increase in the dose of injected insulin, among other causes. Nervousness, confusion, and cool skin are all signs of hypoglycemia. When diabetics take glucagon for hypoglycemia, the symptoms can be relieved relatively quickly.

Under normal conditions, the stores of glucose in the liver are small, and they can be depleted easily. In cases where a person is suffering from very low blood sugar because he or she is starving, glucagon for hypoglycemia is not an effective treatment, since there is little or no glucose to be released. These patients will typically be treated with glucose instead.

Drugs such as glucagon for hypoglycemia must be taken with caution. It may not be appropriate for people with adrenal problems or pancreatic tumors. In patients with certain conditions or taking some medications, glucagon can raise blood pressure. An overdose of glucagon may cause vomiting and other digestive problems.