Glucagon is essential for treating severe hypoglycemia, yet prescribing rates remain low among patients at highest risk. A study published in Diabetes Spectrum evaluated glucagon prescribing patterns in a federally qualified health center (FQHC) from March 2022 to March 2023.

The retrospective chart review included 7,304 patients with diabetes; 95% had type 2 diabetes, and 61.5% were on insulin therapy. Despite this, only 4.4% had an active glucagon prescription. Among 65 patients with a history of hypoglycemia, 80% were receiving high-risk glucose-lowering medications, but just 13.8% were prescribed glucagon.

The findings underscore a significant gap between American Diabetes Association (ADA) guideline recommendations and real-world practice, particularly in FQHC settings where socioeconomic barriers may further limit access. Enhanced provider education and targeted interventions are needed to improve glucagon prescribing and hypoglycemia preparedness in high-risk populations.