It has come to my attention and dismay that a lot of parents AND diabetics:
- don’t know what this orange box is
- haven’t been told by their doctor/paediatrician about it, therefore do not have a script
- have no idea how important it is concerning a sudden attack of hypoglycaemia
- don’t know that you should ALWAYS have at least one kit in the house
- DON’T KNOW THAT THE CONTENTS OF THIS KIT CAN SAVE YOUR CHILDS’ LIFE IN A DIABETIC HYPO EMERGENCY.
This orange box holds more value to me than my mobile phone, cash. credit cards or keys to the house. I carry one with me everytime I leave the house. EVERYTIME. For those who don’t know what this orange box is, I am referring to a GLUCAGON KIT.
I have used one of these kits up to 40 times. However, most parents or adult diabetics have never had to use one. Lance has the potential to have such speedy attacks that come with little or no warning, I HAVE to have one with me NO MATTER WHAT.
These orange boxes are about as long as an insulin pen, and are sealed when you receive them. Inside, is a vial filled with powder, and a larger needle than you are probably used to. Inside that needle is 10 mls of sterile water.
IF, you are in a situation where your child is having a hypoglyaemic attack, and the are unable to drink or eat in fear or choking, an ambulance officer or an emergency doctor would administer this needle to your child. Most often, it is given in the subcutaneous fat in the thigh. Parents of a diabetic child or carers of a diabetic adult SHOULD have one of these kits.
If a diabetic appears to be unconcious or fitting, undo the seal, remove the syringe and the vial. (A diabetic educator or a GP should have a practice run with you, just to be sure.) If your child is under 5 or under, sqeeze out 5mls of the water from the syringe and inject it into the rubber dome found on the top of the vial. You must move the vial WITH the needle in it backwards and forwards so that the granules have a chance to dissolve. Grab a good amount of flesh on the thigh and inject. It won’t work straight away, so it’s a good time to have your child in the recovery position and covered with a blanket and their Mum or Dad close by when they do come “back.”
The same rules apply for an adult, except the whole amount (10mls) should be used so that concsiousness can be regained quickly.
If you do not have on of these kits, here is what I suggest:
Ask your doctor for a script (every diabetic is entitled to one.) It will have a repeat with it. Pick up both on different days and keep one with your insulin at home, one at work, or even one it the car. Glucagon, just like insulin doesn’t like the car, however, if you are going to the BEACH or a place where it could be difficult to access, take your spare kit with you. It doesn’t take up a lot of room, and Lance is living proof that it quickly reverses the symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
Glucagon is stored in the liver, and when this injection is given, it enourages the liver to start to secrete it, therefore, the blood sugar level WILL go up.
I have had some experiences where if I didn’t carry GLUGAGON, Lance could have severe brain damage or be dead. Ask your doctor for a script and a test run, I am NOT a doctor or a health professional, however I AM a parent and, I AM encouraging anyone with a Diabetic in their care to carry a case on you at all times. It has a shelf life of a year, however it is better to give the injection even if it is past 12 months old rather than not. ( Good aadvice from an ambo who see these kits at work at least once a a day) Please look into getting orange boxes for your home, It’s the smartest decision you will ever make regarding your diabetes life. (Pass the word onto others’ who may not know that glucagon exists will bring back a diabetic from am episode.)
I’d love to hear any stories about how having glucagon has helped saved a loved one!!
Me = Liz said,
25 September, 2007 @ 5:00 pm
I agree with this post!!! However, if someone is lucky enough to have their glucagon last long enough to go out of date, give it to your diabetes educator to use to teach other parents/friends/partners how to give this vital injection.
Project 365:Australia- Day 6: The Semi-Permanent Attachment To My Right Shoulder « Why did the insulin die in my pancreas? said,
8 November, 2007 @ 3:57 am
[...] ALWAYS have Glucagon (because we never leave home without [...]
Marvela said,
28 October, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
People should read this.