Continuous subcutaneous infusion of glucagon by portable pump in non beta cell tumor hypoglycemia.

Subcutaneous infusion of glucagon by portable pump appears to give very effective symptomatic relief from non beta cell tumor hypoglycemia when surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are impossible or ineffective. This mode of glucagon administration was proposed in a patient who had severe nocturnal hypoglycemic attacks. The aim of the study was to specify the modes of utilization and to test the efficiency and the tolerance of this treatment. Glucagon was infused at 400 micrograms/h during every 12 hour night. Because of the hepatic action of glucagon it is very important to use this treatment with an adequate diet and to stop the infusion during the day to reconstitute the glycogen overload. This mode of glucagon administration was very effective in over 6 months of use and well tolerated.