Glucose Oral Gel

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Introduction

Rapidly absorbed from oral/buccal mucosa to increase blood glucose concentration.
Onset 2-5 minutes, duration 12-25 minutes.

Indications

Demonstrated hypoglycaemia in:

Altered conscious state in a known Diabetic.
Altered conscious state of unknown medical cause, where blood glucose level is below 4mmol/L.

Contraindications

Precautions / Notes

Have patient's airway patent and in lateral position if unconscious.
Always consider patient’s airway when administering gel.
Even if fully recovered, patients should be encouraged to be transported to a medical facility to ensure effective follow up and review.
Will liquefy over 30°C, however it is still useable.

Management

Adult:

Squeeze contents of tube (or as much as practical) into lower cheek pouch over gums/cheek and externally massage cheek.
Repeat after 10 minutes if still altered consciousness or deteriorating.

Child:

Administer small amounts of oral glucose gel into lower cheek pouch over gums/cheek and externally massage cheek.
Repeat after 10 minutes if still altered consciousness or deteriorating.
Do not delay transport.

Neonate/Infant:

Process for buccal administration of oral glucose gel:
- Wearing a clean glove, gently dry the infant's buccal mucosa with gauze/pad.
- Place a small amount of oral glucose gel onto gloved finger and gently massage into the infants buccal mucosa.
- DO NOT administer the gel directly from the tube into the infants mouth.
- Use only a portion of the tube, titrate to effect.
Repeat as necessary after 10 minutes if still altered consciousness or deteriorating.
Do not delay transport.

Special Considerations

References

Presentation

15g glucose gel in tube

Colour assist:

Directorate

Clinical Services

Responsible Manager

Head of Clinical Services

Date of Issue

Date of Expiry