Glucagon Reference

Plain English

What it is

Glucagon is an FDA-approved prescription rescue medicine for severe low blood sugar (very low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes. It is a natural hormone that signals the liver to release stored sugar into the blood. Brand names include Gvoke (an injection) and Baqsimi (a nasal powder).

What people use it for

It is an emergency treatment for when a person with diabetes has dangerously low blood sugar and may be confused, passing out, or unable to swallow safely. It is for one-time rescue use, not a daily or maintenance medicine.

What the science shows

Glucagon is well studied and approved on its label for this use. It raises blood sugar quickly by switching on receptors in the liver, which break down stored sugar and release glucose into the blood.

The catch

This is an emergency rescue medicine, not a fitness, fat-loss, or everyday diabetes tool. The label says to call for emergency help right away after it is used and to give fast-acting carbohydrate once the person is awake and can swallow safely. Serious allergic reactions can happen, and it is not for people with certain tumors such as pheochromocytoma.

Reference summary

Glucagon is label-verified for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia. pepSmart surfaces label-reference content only.

Regulatory and posture

Categories

Hormonal

Aliases

GlucaGen, Baqsimi, Gvoke, Rescue glucagon

Evidence posture

human

Regulatory status

FDA-approved prescription rescue medication. Labeled for severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. Available as injection (GlucaGen, Gvoke autoinjector / pre-filled syringe) and intranasal powder (Baqsimi). Rescue use only; not a maintenance therapy.

Content review status

label verified

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