In the search for an easier way to treat severe hypoglycemia than glucagon injections, researchers at Yale University evaluated the Epipen as a potential replacement treatment for children. Although injected glucagon is effective, it is cumbersome to use, causes severe nausea, and is impractical in the school setting. Epipen is an injection device with premixed epinephrine that can be used by all care providers. Epinephrine stimulates the release of glucose by the liver.

However, the study showed that epinephrine did not increase plasma glucose levels consistently or high enough to correct hypoglycemia. Glucagon remains the recommended treatment for severe hypoglycemia.

Related information Lifestyle changes: Glucose control | Hypoglycemia