When an older adult with diabetes slips into severe low blood sugar, glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar by telling the liver to release stored glucose. Also known as emergency glucose booster, it’s the only fast-acting treatment when someone can’t swallow or is unconscious. For seniors, this isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a lifesaver. Many older adults take insulin or sulfonylureas, which can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, especially if meals are skipped, kidneys aren’t working well, or they’re on multiple meds. Glucagon works fast, usually within 10 to 15 minutes, and doesn’t need refrigeration if stored properly, making it ideal for homes, nursing facilities, or travel.
But glucagon isn’t simple for seniors. Their bodies respond differently. Liver stores of glycogen—glucagon’s fuel source—often shrink with age, meaning the hormone might not work as well or as quickly. Some seniors have heart conditions, and glucagon can spike heart rate or blood pressure. Others take beta-blockers, which mask the usual warning signs of low blood sugar like shaking or sweating, so they don’t realize they’re in danger until it’s too late. That’s why having a glucagon emergency kit, a pre-filled injector or powder-and-syringe system designed for quick use during hypoglycemic crises. Also known as hypoglycemia rescue kit, it should be kept where caregivers, family, or staff can reach it instantly. Training matters too. A 2023 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that over 60% of caregivers couldn’t correctly use a glucagon kit without practice. That’s why simple, step-by-step demos—maybe even a video saved on a tablet—are more useful than written instructions.
There are also newer options. Injectable glucagon like GlucaGen is still common, but newer products like Baqsimi, a nasal powder, are easier for seniors and caregivers to use. No needles. No mixing. Just a quick puff up the nose. And if glucagon isn’t right—maybe because of liver issues or frequent lows—doctors may adjust insulin doses, switch to longer-acting insulin, or add a GLP-1 agonist that reduces hypoglycemia risk. Some seniors benefit from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that alert caregivers before blood sugar crashes. These aren’t replacements for glucagon, but they help prevent the crisis from happening in the first place.
In the posts below, you’ll find real-world insights on how glucagon fits into broader diabetes care for older adults. We cover what happens when it doesn’t work, how it interacts with other meds, why some seniors avoid using it even when they need it, and how to talk to doctors about the right plan. You’ll also see how other treatments compare, what to do if you’re worried about side effects, and how to prepare for emergencies without panic. This isn’t theory—it’s what works for people over 65 managing diabetes every day.
Hypoglycemia in older adults is often silent and deadly. Learn why diabetes meds like glyburide and insulin pose serious risks, how to spot hidden triggers, and what prevention plans actually work for seniors.