Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Glucose?Symptoms of HypoglycemiaHow to Use Glucose TabsPurchasing and Storing
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Glucose?
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
How to Use Glucose Tabs
Purchasing and Storing
Glucose tabs are chewable tablets made ofglucose(sugar). They are a quick and practical option to increase low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) in people withdiabetes, which is usually defined as a blood glucose of less than 70 mg/dL.
While a snack or sugary drink can also help with low blood sugar levels, glucose tablets work faster and more effectively. They can be a way to prevent serious adverse events from low blood sugar, such asseizures.
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Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body’s main source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy. It’s critical to maintain a normal blood sugar level to avoidhyperglycemia(high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia.
Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
Hypoglycemia UnawarenessSome people may not have any symptoms even if they have low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia unawareness. This will make it harder for someone to treat hypoglycemia early. This is more likely to happen if a person:Has had diabetes for more than 5 to 10 yearsFrequently have low blood sugarTake certain medicines, such as beta blockers for high blood pressureIn these cases, it’s important to check blood sugar levels regularly to make sure they are normal.
Hypoglycemia Unawareness
Some people may not have any symptoms even if they have low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia unawareness. This will make it harder for someone to treat hypoglycemia early. This is more likely to happen if a person:Has had diabetes for more than 5 to 10 yearsFrequently have low blood sugarTake certain medicines, such as beta blockers for high blood pressureIn these cases, it’s important to check blood sugar levels regularly to make sure they are normal.
Some people may not have any symptoms even if they have low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia unawareness. This will make it harder for someone to treat hypoglycemia early. This is more likely to happen if a person:
In these cases, it’s important to check blood sugar levels regularly to make sure they are normal.
If not addressed promptly and as blood sugar levels continue to drop, a person may develop severe low sugar. Severe low blood sugar is defined as below 54 mg/dL. Blood sugar this low may make you pass out.
Serious symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
People with diabetes may experience low blood sugar as often as once or twice a week, even when managing their blood sugar closely.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hypoglycemia
Glucose tablets are specifically designed to act fast and treat hypoglycemia. While sugary snacks or beverages are plausible options, glucose tablets are made to be dissolved in precise doses to act fast and effectively.
Glucose tablets need to be purchased at the correct dose and used properly to see an improvement in blood sugar levels. Discuss with your healthcare provider which dosage to keep on hand. The typical dosage recommended is 15 grams, which is about four glucose tablets.
Here’s how to use glucose tablets:
Once the hypoglycemia is controlled, it’s important to have a snack or meal to stabilize your blood sugar. This can include snacks like apples and peanut butter or crackers and cheese.
How to Use a Glucometer
Before making any purchases, discuss glucose tablets with your healthcare provider. They can recommend the best options and determine the correct dosage for you, as well as run you through the process.
There will be an expiration date on your tablet box. Glucose tabs are best used before this date because after a while the tablets can harden and not be as effective. There are no specific requirements for storage, but it’s important to keep them out of reach of children.
Popular glucose tablet products include:
When To See a Healthcare ProviderSeek medical help if you are experiencing symptoms and don’t have a glucometer if your symptoms are severe or if your symptoms aren’t improving after taking glucose tabs or eating.
When To See a Healthcare Provider
Seek medical help if you are experiencing symptoms and don’t have a glucometer if your symptoms are severe or if your symptoms aren’t improving after taking glucose tabs or eating.
A Word From Verywell
Blood sugar levels naturally vary, but people with diabetes should be aware of symptoms of high or low levels and have the tools on hand to address them as soon as possible. When it comes to hypoglycemia, the symptoms can become severe.
Keeping glucose tablets on hand can mean the difference between life and death. In a pinch, get your sugar from whatever source is available to you. Discuss the best glucose tablet products for you with your healthcare provider.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Diabetes Association.Understanding and managing low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).American Diabetes Association.2020 Consumer guide: fast-acting glucose products.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Diabetes Association.Understanding and managing low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).American Diabetes Association.2020 Consumer guide: fast-acting glucose products.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Diabetes Association.Understanding and managing low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).American Diabetes Association.2020 Consumer guide: fast-acting glucose products.
American Diabetes Association.Understanding and managing low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
American Diabetes Association.2020 Consumer guide: fast-acting glucose products.
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