Your Hypoglycemia Guide: Understanding Causes, Symptoms and Emergency Glucagon Use

If you have diabetes, you know insulin affects low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), but it’s not the only risk. Recent lows, skipping meals, exercise, age, or even alcohol can also cause drops. 

Glucagon isn’t just for emergencies—it can help before things get severe. Keeping glucagon nearby provides a safety net to treat low blood sugar fast and prevent danger.

In this article, you will learn:

• The common causes of hypoglycemia beyond insulin.
• How to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Why glucagon is essential for treating severe lows. 
• The different types of emergency glucagon available.
• How to stay prepared and manage low blood sugar with confidence.

A quick guide to recognizing hypoglycemia symptoms

Some symptoms of low blood sugar are obvious—shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat—but others are harder to spot. Watch for:

• Confusion, trouble focusing or memory issues.
• Blurry vision or dizziness.
• Feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Sudden mood swings, anxiety or irritability. Lack of awareness of symptoms (hypoglycemia unawareness).
• Driving risks. Low blood sugar can impair reaction time and judgment.

The importance of glucagon for severe hypoglycemia

Originally published in August 2024, the American Diabetes Association’s feature article “Out of Sight, Out of Mind: A Call to Action for the Treatment of Hypoglycemia.” remains highly relevant. 

How to stay prepared:

• Keep ready-to-use glucagon on hand. Products like Gvoke by Xeris can be lifesaving.
• Ensure people with diabetes (and those around them) know how to use glucagon.
• Use fast-acting carbs first. They help treat low blood sugar but may not work quickly enough.
• Administer glucagon when swallowing isn’t possible. It can save lives in severe cases.
• Stay prepared to prevent emergencies. Quick action can make all the difference.

Why glucagon matters

• Lows can escalate fast. A mild drop in blood sugar can quickly become severe.
• Severe lows are common. Insulin increases the risk, making glucagon essential.
• Not just for unconscious episodes. If fast-acting carbs aren’t working, glucagon can help raise blood sugar.
• Easy to use. New glucagon products allow quick action without mixing or preparation.

Types of emergency glucagon

Several ready-to-use glucagon options are available:

• Glucagon pen—Gvoke HypoPen. A premixed glucagon injection with an auto-injector for easy use. Also available in a prefilled syringe.
• Nasal glucagon—Baqsimi. A glucagon treatment administered through the nose.
• Glucagon pen—Zegalogue. Another premixed glucagon auto-injector, also available in a prefilled syringe.

Get educated & be prepared

Hypoglycemia is serious, but preparation helps you stay safe:

• Always have fast-acting carbs on hand. Like glucose tablets, juice or candy.
• Know when to use glucagon. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
• Talk to your healthcare provider. About getting a glucagon prescription.
• Make sure friends, family, coworkers or gym buddies know where to find your glucagon and how to use it.

The ADA and other organizations aim to make glucagon as common as EpiPens or naloxone—always available for emergencies.

Until then, stay stocked, educated and ready to act.

FAQ: Hypoglycemia and Glucagon Use

• • What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar drops too low, causing dizziness, sweating, confusion and shakiness.
  • What causes hypoglycemia? Skipping meals, taking too much insulin or exercising more than usual can trigger low blood sugar.
  • What is prescription glucagon? Glucagon is a medicine that raises blood sugar quickly by signaling the liver to dump sugar into your blood.
  • When should glucagon be used? Use glucagon if someone is unconscious or unable to swallow.
  • Is glucagon safe? Yes, glucagon is safe and lifesaving when used correctly.

This content was made possible by Xeris Pharmaceuticals, an active partner of Beyond Type 1. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.