Diabetes Emergencies: Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Care, Chapter 9: Using Glucagon
After Glucagon Is Given
Learn what to do after glucagon, from the side position to safe food and the care team.
You can describe what to do for someone after glucagon has been given.
Call 911, or your local emergency number, right after the glucagon dose. Do this even if the person seems to be getting better.
Glucagon takes time to work, and blood sugar can drop again. Later, tell your care team what was given and when. Do it within 24 hours.
After glucagon, the person may vomit. Turn them onto their side to help keep the airway clear. The airway is the path that carries air to the lungs.
Stay with them and watch their breathing until help arrives. Blood sugar can drop again, so stay at least 60 minutes after they wake.
Wait until the person is fully awake and can swallow safely. Do not put food or drink in the mouth of someone who cannot swallow. It can enter the lungs.
Once they can swallow, give fast-acting sugar, like juice or glucose tablets. Then give a snack with protein.
Key takeaways
- Turn the person onto their side, and stay with them.
- Food and drink wait until they are awake and can swallow safely.
- Tell your care team what was given and when, within 24 hours.
Try it
Tell one person at home which way to turn someone after glucagon, and why.