Nonaqueous, Mini-Dose Glucagon for Treatment of Mild Hypoglycemia in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Dose-Seeking Study

OBJECTIVETo evaluate mini-dose glucagon in adults with type 1 diabetes using a stable, liquid, ready-to-use preparation.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSTwelve adults with type 1 diabetes receiving treatment with insulin pumps received subcutaneous doses of 75, 150, and 300 g of nonaqueous glucagon. Plasma glucose, glucagon, and insulin concentrations were measured. At 180 min, subjects received insulin followed in 60 min by a second identical dose of glucagon.RESULTSMean (SE) fasting glucose concentrations (mg/dL) were 110 +/- 7, 110 +/- 10, and 109 +/- 9 for the 75-, 150-, and 300-g doses, respectively, increasing maximally at 60 min by 33, 64, and 95 mg/dL (all P < 0.001). The post-insulin administration glucose concentrations were 70 +/- 2, 74 +/- 5, and 70 +/- 2 mg/dL, respectively, with maximal increases of 19, 24, and 43 mg/dL post-glucagon administration (P < 0.02) at 45-60 min.CONCLUSIONSSubcutaneous, nonaqueous, ready-to-use G-Pen Mini glucagon may provide an alternative to oral carbohydrates for the management of anticipated, impending, or mild hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes.