During a recent discussion amongst our parents group, the issue of administering glucagon to a stranger who was suffering a severe hypoglycaemic episode arose. I would have been in agreement to administer it, until one parent raised the possibility of a glucagon allergy as a reason not to administer to a stranger who was a known diabetic. I have searched this site and can find no information on a glucagon allergy. As glucagon is a hormone produced by the body, I thought that it would have been safe to administer.

Further, I keep a glucagon kit for my son at his school. The nurse requested permission to use it on another child in an emergency situation, with the understanding that it would be replaced by the other family (glucagon kits in Australia cost $80). I said of course, as glucagon is definitely for emergencies only. Now I am wondering if there is such a thing as a glucagon allergy, whether I should place a rider on whom it may be used in an emergency (it seems extreme I know, but these days one has to consider the most extreme situations.) Does a glucagon allergy exist, and, if so, what are the implications for “Good Samaritans?”

It is very unlikely that an allergy would exist. Certainly, since most never get it, the potential for an allergy should not stop the emergent use. When very low and unresponsive, glucagon is very useful. In fact, some have used it during a gastrointestinal (viral flu-like) illness to help keep glucose up (very small doses). (See our page on Mini-Dose Glucagon Rescue.)

But, I would expect the drug to be used for the person for whom it is prescribed. I would ask the nurse to ask the family involved to get their own glucagon. If I were a nurse, I also wouldn’t give it to a child for whom I didn’t have a prescription. Likewise, as a non health care professional, I would not take the liberty of practicing medicine on strangers. The laws apply to health care professionals so they can use their expertise and training to help. While I would trust my child with diabetes to most parents of a child with diabetes, I wouldn’t to just any parent. If, as a parent, I were watching a child with diabetes, I would ask first before I gave glucagon. That presumes some planning, but you sound informed and prepared.

It is different for emergency responders since they are operating under protocols with their physicians. They can give glucose or glucagon under those orders.

LD