Ready-to-Use Glucagon: A Game changer in Hypoglycemia Rescue – Experts Weigh In
Chicago,IL – june 23,2025 – A new era in diabetes care is dawning,driven by the accessibility of ready-to-use glucagon. Experts at the 85th Scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are hailing this development as “transformative” for individuals at risk of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This article synthesizes insights from a Pharmacy times® interview with Jennifer Goldman,PharmD,CDCES,BC-ADM,FCCP,and Diana Isaacs,PharmD,BCPS,BCACP,BC-ADM,CDCES,outlining how this innovation is changing rescue readiness and what needs to happen to ensure wider access.
The Problem: Hypoglycemia & The Previous Barriers to Rescue
For individuals with diabetes, particularly those on insulin or sulfonylureas, severe hypoglycemia can be a life-threatening emergency. Previously, administering glucagon – the hormone that raises blood sugar – was often a complex process. Traditional glucagon kits required reconstitution (mixing the powder with a liquid), a step that proved challenging, and even impractical, for someone experiencing a severe low and who was alone.
The Solution: Ready-to-Use Glucagon & Expanding Options
Ready-to-use glucagon formulations, including injectable and nasal spray options, are dramatically simplifying the rescue process. As Dr. Goldman explains,these formulations “enable patients to be able to take care of themselves when they’re alone.” Dr. Isaacs emphasizes the ease of use, comparing it to familiar emergency medications like EpiPens and narcan, stating, “You don’t need to be a skilled healthcare professional to utilize these.” The availability of different delivery methods also allows for patient preference.
Key Takeaways & Recommendations from ADA 2025:
Increased Self-Treatment: Ready-to-use glucagon empowers individuals to self-treat a severe low when assistance isn’t instantly available.
Simplified Administration: Eliminating the reconstitution step makes glucagon accessible to a wider range of people, including family members, friends, and roommates.
Routine Prescription is Crucial: Experts advocate for routine glucagon prescription for at-risk patients,alongside regular health maintenance checks like blood pressure and kidney function tests.
Identify At-Risk Patients: Healthcare providers should proactively identify patients on insulin or sulfonylureas as high-risk and initiate discussions about hypoglycemia preparedness. This identification should occur at all touchpoints – doctor’s offices and pharmacies.
Insurance Coverage is Essential: Wider access hinges on ensuring adequate insurance coverage for these life-saving medications.
Pharmacist-Led Intervention: The experts envision a future where pharmacists can proactively prescribe or dispense glucagon to patients filling insulin prescriptions, similar to the current practice with naloxone (Narcan). This would remove a notable barrier to access.
* Comprehensive Education: Patient and family education remains paramount. Individuals need to understand the symptoms of hypoglycemia, when and how to use glucagon, and the importance of keeping fast-acting carbohydrates readily available. They also need to be aware of expiration dates.
The Future of Hypoglycemia Rescue
The consensus is clear: ready-to-use glucagon is a significant advancement in diabetes care.Though, realizing its full potential requires a concerted effort to integrate it into routine practice, expand access through insurance coverage, and empower healthcare
