Glucagon App for Caregivers
Scott Benner
Eli Lilly has designed an app that helps caregivers to understand how to reconstitute and administer Glucagon. It's worth checking out.
Long before we had an OmniPod insulin pump or a Dexcom CGM we managed Arden's BGs with a syringe and a little meter. One day, armed with only those tools, I tried and failed to fight the evil Chinese food monster. Shortly after the meal Arden laid sleeping in her crib, having her afternoon nap.
In an instant things went from normal to not and Kelly and I found ourselves kneeling around Arden on the floor tending to a seizure. While Kelly was opening fast acting glucose gel, I was staring at our glucagon, incapable of recalling the steps I was taught in the Endo's office. Thankfully, the gel worked and we never needed the glucagon but you can be sure that I changed my perception that. "this could never happen to us" and taught myself how that little red kit worked the very next day.
I always suggest using outdated glucagon kits to practice with and once you have the process down, give the next one to your school nurse so they can do the same. While I don't think that an app can replace the experience holding that glass syringe in your hand and getting accustomed to how it feels, this app goes a long way toward getting you ready for the experience.
Take it from me, if the day comes when you need glucagon... you do not want to be reading instructions.
The app is available for iOS and Android.
One year after the experience I described Arden talked about what it was like to have a seizure. I captured her candid and impromptu conversation on video. It's an old video that is somewhat sad to watch, but even though current diabetes management technology goes a long way toward stopping things like this from happening - it's very worth understanding what you are guarding against.
