How does glucagon work in severe hypoglycemia, and what follow-up steps are needed?

How does glucagon work in severe hypoglycemia, and what follow-up steps are needed?

• A. Gluconeogenesis only
• B. Glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis; after recovery, provide carbohydrate and snack to prevent recurrence; ensure proper training
• C. Directly increases insulin secretion
• D. Inhibits hepatic glucose production

Answer: (B)

During severe hypoglycemia, glucagon acts mainly on the liver to stimulate glycogenolysis — the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose — which quickly raises blood glucose. After the person has recovered, provide a carbohydrate source promptly to restore glucose and then a snack or meal to prevent another drop. It’s also important that caregivers are trained to recognize hypoglycemia and know how to administer glucagon and when to seek emergency help. Gluconeogenesis can contribute later as a secondary mechanism, but the immediate rise in glucose comes from glycogen breakdown. Glucagon does not directly increase insulin secretion, and it does not inhibit hepatic glucose production.

During severe hypoglycemia, glucagon acts mainly on the liver to stimulate glycogenolysis — the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose — which quickly raises blood glucose. After the person has recovered, provide a carbohydrate source promptly to restore glucose and then a snack or meal to prevent another drop. It’s also important that caregivers are trained to recognize hypoglycemia and know how to administer glucagon and when to seek emergency help.

Gluconeogenesis can contribute later as a secondary mechanism, but the immediate rise in glucose comes from glycogen breakdown. Glucagon does not directly increase insulin secretion, and it does not inhibit hepatic glucose production.