Baqsimi® (glukagon näspulver): Användning vid alkoholinducerad hypoglykemi

Detailed Information

Alcohol-induced hypoglycemia is mediated by multiple factors including

• inhibition of gluconeogenesis, and 

• initial maintenance of liver glucose production by glycogenolysis until glycogen stores are depleted.¹

As such, a person with alcohol-induced hypoglycemia may not have adequate hepatic stores of glycogen present, which may impact the effectiveness of glucagon.

Glucagon Mechanism of Action and Glycogen

Glucagon increases BG concentration by activating hepatic glucagon receptors, thereby stimulating

• hepatic glycogen breakdown, and

• the release of glucose from the liver.²

Hepatic stores of glycogen are necessary for glucagon to produce an antihypoglycemic effect.²

NG is effective in treating hypoglycemia only if sufficient hepatic glycogen is present.²

Because glucagon is of little or no help in states of starvation, adrenal insufficiency, or chronic hypoglycemia, patients with these conditions should be treated with glucose.²

Use of Glucagon Nasal Powder

NG is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycaemia in adults, adolescents, and children aged 4 years and over with diabetes mellitus.²

After giving the dose, the caregiver should call for medical help right away.²

References

1. Tetzschner R, Norgaard K, Ranjan A. Effects of alcohol on plasma glucose and prevention of alcohol-induced hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes - a systemic review with GRADE. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2018;34:e2965. http://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.2965

2. Baqsimi [summary of product characteristics]. Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., The Netherlands.

Glossary

BG = blood glucose

NG = nasal glucagon (glucagon nasal powder)