In what situation is it important to use injectable glucagon?

Injectable glucagon is particularly important in scenarios when emergency glucose therapy is required, especially for individuals experiencing severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) where they are unable to ingest glucose orally. When blood sugar levels drop dangerously low, the body may not have enough energy, leading to symptoms such as confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, or even coma. In such urgent situations, glucagon can rapidly increase blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, effectively reversing the hypoglycemic state.

Routine glucose monitoring, daily supplementation, or preparation for meals do not involve the same immediate and critical need for glucagon. In those circumstances, other management strategies, such as adjusting diet, oral glucose supplements, or snacks, are appropriate and do not require the use of glucagon. Thus, the situation that necessitates injectable glucagon centers around its role in quick emergency intervention for severe hypoglycemia.