Nasal Glucagon a 'Huge Advance' for Caregivers

This transcript has been edited for clarity.

Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration approved intranasal glucagon for the treatment of episodes of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. I consider this a huge advance in terms of the treatment of severe hypoglycemia because it's so much easier to use than those old glucagon kits that we used to prescribe to patients, family members, and friends.

The old glucagon kit required reconstitution and the use of a big, scary needle, which are difficult for caregivers to do, especially when their loved one is on the floor in a coma or having a seizure.

This nasal glucagon is very simple to administer. It comes in an easy-open container and the device itself is very simple. Basically, you put it in the nostril. There's a plunger at the bottom and a switch that is pressed down. It delivers the glucagon intranasally, which is absorbed nearly immediately into the patient's bloodstream.

Within minutes, the patient should begin to respond. Then, over 15 minutes or so, the patient will become more awake, alert, and able to consume carbohydrates and further treat the episode of hypoglycemia.

Be Aware of Side Effects

It's important to realize that glucagon, in any form, still has side effects.