Efficacy and Usability of Intranasal Glucagon for the Management of Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Albeit, in unconscious patients with severe hypoglycemia, treatment with injectable glucagon is recommended. There are limitations to the use of this formulation. Hence, the authors Singh- Franco and colleagues (2020) conducted a review study titled “Efficacy and Usability of Intranasal Glucagon for the Management of Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review” published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics.
Objective:
To delineate the efficacy, tolerability, and usability of 3 mg intranasal glucagon in patients with diabetes.
Method:
Numerous studies were searched through different databases for review. Data published before 3rd March 2020 on the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform was also used for analysis.
Findings:
Intranasal glucagon is a non-needle formulation which is approved for use in children (> 4 years) and adult who experience severe hypoglycemic phase. The study reports that in unconscious and disoriented patients, administration of injectable or ready to use intranasal glucagon increases blood glucose within 15-30 minutes. Due to the ease of use, caregivers and non-caregivers preferred intranasal glucagon.
Limitations:
Authors acknowledge future studies of intranasal glucagon in children (1-3 years) and pregnant women. Further investigation for clarifying bioavailability, efficiency, and tolerability in comparison to subcutaneous glucagon is required.
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