Glucagon pen and more: Robin Arzon’s secret to being ready with diabetes
From blood glucose monitoring and insulin injections to emotional and physical side effects, living with diabetes comes with daily challenges. But creating a plan for managing the disease can make the day-to-day a little easier. For Robin Arzon, who has type 1 diabetes, that means taking charge and being ready no matter what the day brings.
As Peloton’s VP of fitness programming, Arzon, like many people with diabetes, leads a busy life and can’t afford to be caught unprepared for a low blood sugar episode or severe hypoglycemia, a very low blood sugar level that can be a daily concern for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and their caregivers. But the truth is that anyone taking insulin or sulfonylureas is at risk.
Be ready with a glucagon pen
Living with diabetes isn’t easy – even if you are as prepared as possible. The good news is that there are tools and resources that can make it less stressful. One tool Arzon relies on is her superhero toolkit. On her at all times, hers includes everyday essentials like keys and smartphone, rescue carbs like glucose tablets, and a glucagon injection called
Gvoke HypoPen®; (glucagon injection) for severe low blood sugar.
Carrying Gvoke HypoPen® is just one way that people living with diabetes can feel ready to tackle whatever lies ahead of them – whether that’s a long day at work, an athletic endeavor or a social event with friends. The first glucagon autoinjector created for adults and kids with diabetes ages 2 and above, the glucagon pen is:
- Premixed and ready to go, with no visible needle
- Administered in two simple steps
- Available in a two-pack so you can keep one autoinjector on-hand and store the other
Tips for taking control
Being prepared goes beyond a superhero toolkit. Arzon recommends taking control of things like diet, movement and exercise, rest and self-care:
- Find a workout that works for you, whether that’s yoga, walking or cycling
- Stay on top of your daily carb intake and ensure you’re eating a balanced diet
- Prioritize self-care – Get a good night’s sleep, meditate and ask for help when you need it
- Keep up with monitoring and doctor’s appointments
- Be aware of your body – Note how it reacts to certain foods and activities
If you’re just coming to terms with a diabetes diagnosis, start small. Choose one or two ways to modify your daily lifestyle, and once those things become habit, move on to something else. With the right plan, tools and support, you can take charge, be ready and BE EPIC.
Are you ready? Talk to your doctor to learn more about Gvoke HypoPen®.
Indication
GVOKE (glucagon) is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar in adults and children ages 2 years and above with diabetes.
Important Safety Information
- Do not use GVOKE if you:
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- Have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys, called a pheochromocytoma because of the risk of a substantial increase in blood pressure
- Have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma because of the risk of low blood sugar
- Are allergic to glucagon or any inactive ingredient in GVOKE. Stop using GVOKE and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure
- Before using GVOKE, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take and your medical conditions, including if you have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation), have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia), or have a history of a skin rash called necrolytic migratory erythema (commonly associated with glucagon-producing tumors)
- The most common side effects reported in adults are nausea, vomiting, swelling at the injection site, and headache
- The most common side effects reported in children are nausea, low blood sugar, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, high blood sugar, pain or redness at injection site, and hives
- Inform caregivers on the Instructions for Use of GVOKE, and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia, which include unconsciousness and seizures or convulsions
- Store in original container until time of use, and at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20° C to 25° C)
- You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088
Please talk to your doctor and see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information Guide for GVOKE.