SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/diab-glucagon-liver

Glucagon is used for severe lows. How does it raise blood sugar?

It makes the liver release its stored glucose into the blood.

  1. It makes the liver release stored glucose ✔
  2. It adds extra insulin to the blood
  3. It slows down the heartbeat

Why: Glucagon is a hormone that tells the liver to release its stored sugar. It's for severe lows, when someone can't safely eat or drink or the 15-15 rule isn't working.

Huh, didn't know that: Ready-to-use glucagon comes as a nasal powder or a premixed pen, and older kits need mixing first.

The dad joke
Why did the squirrel never panic? It always had a stash saved for a rainy day.
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Sources

  1. ADA, Severe Hypoglycemia https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/hypoglycemia-low-blood-glucose/severe
  2. NIDDK, Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia) https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/low-blood-glucose-hypoglycemia

Test yourself in the game

Health BasicsSomeone with diabetes has fainted from a low. Should you try to give them juice?Health BasicsAfter a friend gives you glucagon for a severe low, what should they do next?Health BasicsHow much toothpaste should you use?

That's stuff everyone should know.