Three selected reports examine glucagon rescue formulations in diabetes. Nasal, intramuscular and ready-to-use subcutaneous products have different delivery contexts; related analogues and diagnostic uses require separate assessment.123
Bottom line from this bounded source set
Controlled studies found high recovery rates after experimentally induced hypoglycemia. A small uncontrolled study also reported recovery during spontaneous episodes. Laboratory recovery times and trained-caregiver observations do not establish equivalent performance in every emergency.123
Reviewed study record
Nasal versus intramuscular glucagon
Design
Randomized crossover noninferiority study after experimentally induced hypoglycemia.1
Both formulations achieved treatment success in all participants within 25 minutes. Mean time to success was 11.4 minutes with nasal and 9.9 minutes with intramuscular glucagon.1
Limitations
The induced-hypoglycemia setting and controlled administration differ from an unplanned emergency. Recovery speed is distinct from preparation time and caregiver usability.1
Reviewed study record
Ready-to-use autoinjector versus emergency kit
Design
Two randomized crossover noninferiority studies after insulin-induced hypoglycemia.2
Population
161 adults with type 1 diabetes participated across the studies.2
Outcomes reported
The ready-to-use product met the prespecified noninferiority comparison. Mean time from administration to recovery was 13.8 versus 10.0 minutes; preparation and administration took 27.3 versus 97.2 seconds. Adverse-event profiles were reported as comparable.2
Limitations
Two studies share one publication. Administration-to-recovery and total preparation-plus-recovery intervals answer different questions; these results are not a product recommendation.2
Reviewed study record
Nasal glucagon during spontaneous episodes
Design
Prospective open-label real-world study with trained caregivers and no randomized comparator.3
Population
69 adults experienced 157 evaluable moderate or severe hypoglycemia episodes.3
Outcomes reported
Caregivers reported resolution within 30 minutes in 95.7% of patients. All 12 severe episodes resolved within 15 minutes.3
Limitations
Repeated episodes within people are not independent participants. Caregiver assessment, training and lack of a comparator limit causal and comparative conclusions.3
No registered Crossref update in the reviewed snapshotChecked September 15, 2026 for DOI 10.1007/s13300-020-00845-7. This bounded result is not proof that the publication has never been corrected or retracted. Open the pinned Crossref work endpoint ↗
No registered Crossref update in the reviewed snapshotChecked September 15, 2026 for DOI 10.1136/bmjdrc-2021-002137. This bounded result is not proof that the publication has never been corrected or retracted. Open the pinned Crossref work endpoint ↗
No registered Crossref update in the reviewed snapshotChecked September 15, 2026 for DOI 10.1111/dom.13278. This bounded result is not proof that the publication has never been corrected or retracted. Open the pinned Crossref work endpoint ↗