Low blood sugar can be caused by a number of things, including taking too much insulin and not eating enough carbohydrates. In people with type 1 diabetes, exercise can also potentially lead to low blood glucose.
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 as seizures.
What Is Glucose?
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 avoid hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia.
Normally, a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, pulls glucose in your blood into cells, where it’s used for energy. If a person with high blood sugar takes too much insulin to lower it, it can leave too little sugar in the bloodstream, leading to low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is especially common in people with type 1 diabetes.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
Fast heartbeatShakingSweatingNervousness or anxietyIrritability or confusionDizzinessHunger
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.
Has had diabetes for more than 5 to 10 yearsFrequently have low blood sugarTake certain medicines, such as beta blockers for high blood pressure
In these cases, it’s important to check blood sugar levels regularly to make sure they are normal.
Serious symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
Feeling weakHaving difficulty walking or seeing clearlyActing strange or feeling confusedHaving seizures
People with diabetes may experience low blood sugar as often as once or twice a week, even when managing their blood sugar closely.
How to Use Glucose Tabs
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 dosage 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:
Recognize and confirm low blood sugar level with a glucometerTake three to four glucose tabletsWait 15 minutes, recheck blood sugar levelIf blood sugar levels are still low (< 70 mg/dL), eat another three to four glucose tabletsRepeat until blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL
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.
Purchasing and Storing
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.
You can purchase glucose tabs over the counter from drug stores or online. Call your insurance company to see if glucose tablets are covered by your plan.
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:
Dex4 Fast-Acting GlucoseGlucolift Glucose TabletsOptimum Glucose TabsTrueplus Glucose Tablets
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 or 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.
