Study Gauges Attitudes Toward Glucagon Delivery Devices for Rescue Treatment of Severe Hypoglycemia

In a late-breaking study presented during the virtual American Diabetes Association (ADA) 80th Scientific Session, investigators found that, for the rescue treatment of severe hypoglycemia, nasal glucagon (NG) devices were preferred over autoinjector glucagon (AI) among individuals with diabetes.

The study, presented by coauthor Nedina K. Raibulet, PharmD, also demonstrated that many patients would be less likely to hesitate using NG, and found that NG was easier for patients to use than AI.

Glucagon delivery devices, such as NG and AI, are used for rescue treatment of severe hypoglycemia, a condition which requires the administration of stable glucagon.These devices were approved by the FDA in 2019, but preference for either device was largely unknown.

The study consisted of an online survey sent to 405 people with diabetes (PWDs), 313 caregivers (CGs), and 305 acquaintances (AQs). Respondents rated their preference, hesitation using, perceived ease of use, and feeling prepared and protected for the 2 glucagon delivery devices on a 7-point scale: 1 being “very strongly prefer AI,” 7 being “very strongly prefer NG,” and 4 being “neutral.”

Across PWDs, CGs, and AQs, NG was preferred over AI on overall preference (4.5, 4.9, and 5.4, respectively), being less likely to hesitate using (4.8, 5.1, and 5.4, respectively), perceived ease of use (4.8, 5.1, and 5.4, respectively), and the preference scale (4.7, 5.0, and 5.3, respectively), according to the findings. Additionally, CGs and AQs preferred NG versus AI on feeling prepared and protected (4.6 and 4.8, respectively), according to the study.

From this data, investigators communicated the study’s valuable insights and perspectives provided by PWDs, CGs, and AQs concerning new glucagon delivery devices. Raibulet asserted the utility of the data in considering product choices for these delivery systems.

Reference

1. 1. Bajpai SK, Child C J, Beusterien, K, et al. Evaluation of attitudes towards two glucagon delivery devices for rescue treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Presented at: The American Diabetes Association 80th Scientific Sessions; June 12-16; online.