Part 2: Step-by-Step Administration

What you'll learn

Follow step-by-step instructions for each glucagon type
Know what to do immediately after administering glucagon
Understand what to expect when the person wakes up
Recognize when glucagon might not be enough

How to Use Each Type

Traditional Glucagon Kit (Injectable)

This is the most complex form — it requires mixing before injection:

Remove red cap from the glucagon vial
Remove needle cover from syringe (pre-filled with liquid)
Inject all liquid into the glucagon vial
Swirl gently until dissolved (don't shake)
Draw all solution back into syringe
Inject into thigh, upper arm, or buttocks
Turn person on their side (in case of vomiting)

Baqsimi Nasal Glucagon

The simplest form — no mixing, no needles:

Open the tube by pulling off the red cap
Hold device between fingers and thumb
Insert tip gently into one nostril
Press plunger firmly until green line no longer shows

The person does NOT need to inhale — the medication absorbs through the nasal membrane. It works even if they have a stuffy nose.

Gvoke Auto-Injector

Pre-mixed and ready to use:

Pull off red cap
Press against outer thigh (through clothes is fine)
Press button and hold for 5 seconds
Turn person on their side

Info

All three forms can be administered through clothing — you don't need to remove pants or roll up sleeves during an emergency. Every second counts.

Scenario: Tom's First Time Using Gvoke

Tom, 22, shares an apartment with his friend Jake, who has T1D. At 2 AM, Tom hears a strange noise from Jake's room. He finds Jake having a seizure. Tom remembers Jake showed him the Gvoke auto-injector in the bedside drawer.

Tom's hands are shaking, but the steps are simple: pull off the red cap, press against Jake's thigh through his pajamas, press the button, hold for 5 seconds. He calls 112, turns Jake on his side, and times the seizure. Eight minutes later, Jake's eyes open. He's groggy and nauseous, but conscious.

Key lesson: Tom was able to act because Jake had shown him the Gvoke beforehand. The auto-injector required no mixing — just pull, press, hold.

Quick Reference Card

Type	Key Action	Time to Effect
Traditional	Mix → inject into muscle	10-15 min
Baqsimi	Insert in nostril → press plunger	10-15 min
Gvoke	Remove cap → press against thigh → press button	10-15 min

After Giving Glucagon

Immediately:

Call emergency services (15/SAMU or 112 in Europe, 911 in the US) if you haven't already
Turn person on their side (recovery position)
Stay with them
Time how long they're unconscious

When they wake up (usually 10-15 minutes):

They will likely feel nauseous — this is normal
Offer small sips of juice or regular soda first
Progress to crackers or toast when tolerated
They may vomit — keep them on their side

Medical follow-up:

The person should be seen by a healthcare provider
Discuss what led to the severe low
Replace the used glucagon kit immediately

Warning

If the person does not wake within 15 minutes, a second dose may be needed. Call emergency services if you haven't already — they may need IV glucose at the hospital.

Key takeaways

Traditional kit requires mixing (7 steps), Baqsimi needs no mixing (4 steps), Gvoke needs no mixing (4 steps)
All types can be administered through clothing in an emergency
After glucagon: turn on side, call emergency services, stay with them, expect nausea
The person should wake in 10-15 minutes — offer sips of juice first
Always replace the used glucagon kit and follow up with a healthcare provider

Quick Check: Glucagon Administration

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What is the MOST important thing to do after administering glucagon to someone?

Step-by-Step Administration