Emergency Treatment for Hypoglycemia: Why Glucose Tablets and Gels Deserve More Respect

Understanding Hypoglycemia and Its Risks

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. When blood glucose levels drop below 60 or 70 mg/dl, it’s essential to take emergency treatment for hypoglycemia to avoid severe complications.

While glucose tablets and gels may not always get the recognition they deserve, they remain one of the fastest and most reliable ways to raise blood sugar quickly.

Why Glucose Tablets and Gels Are Often Overlooked

Like comedian Rodney Dangerfield said, glucose tabs “don’t get no respect.” While they may be affordable and accessible, many people underestimate their value for treating low blood sugar.

Reasons glucose tablets and gels are undervalued:

• Maybe it’s the cost. None of the five manufacturers make expensive tablets or gels, and one brand of glucose tablets lists for less than a dime per tab. We might respect them more if they cost as much as, for example, diabetes testing supplies such as test strips.
  
• Maybe it’s the taste. Glucose tabs may look like candy, but they certainly don’t taste as good. Actually, that’s intentional. They don’t taste bad, but they are medicine. You don’t want to continually eat them, and not have them when you need them.
  
• Maybe it’s their over-the-counter status. You can buy them in most drug stores and on the Internet without a prescription.

All glucose tabs and gels are essentially pure glucose. This is the sugar that our bodies use the fastest. When our blood glucose levels drop below 60 or 70 mg/dl, we are at risk of hypoglycemia and need to take quick action.

The Fast-Acting Power of Glucose

All glucose tablets and gels contain pure glucose, which the body absorbs faster than other sugars. This makes them the preferred method for emergency treatment of hypoglycemia, especially when blood sugar levels drop suddenly.

How to Use Glucose Tablets and Gels: The Rule of 15

What is the Rule of 15?

The simplest strategy for using glucose products is known as the “Rule of 15”:

• Take 15 grams of glucose when your blood sugar goes low.
• Wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood sugar.
• Take another 15 grams if levels remain low.

Glucose tablets typically contain 4–5 grams each, and glucose gels provide 15–24 grams per serving, making it easy to control how much you’re taking.

The article, “Products for Treating Low Blood Sugar,” part of the American Diabetes Association’s Resource Guide 2003 and a supplement to Diabetes Forecast, concurs with the rule of 15 and provides much more information.

Glucose Products on the Market

A variety of manufacturers make glucose tablets and gels, including:

• Paddock Laboratories
• Becton Dickinson
• Wal-Mart Stores
• Can-Am Care
• ICN Pharmaceuticals

These products are available in drugstores and online without a prescription, making them a convenient option for hypoglycemia treatment.

Who Needs Emergency Treatment for Hypoglycemia?

Glucose tabs and gels aren’t just for people with type 1 diabetes. Anyone who uses insulin—about 40 percent of people with type 2 diabetes—are also at risk of “an insulin reaction,” where we take too much insulin for the amount of food we consume.

The sulfonylurea drugs can also cause hypoglycemia. Except for the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Precose and Glyset, other drugs for people with type 2 diabetes rarely, if ever, cause hypoglycemic reactions. Because Precose and Glyset slow the digestion of complex sugars, people who take either of these drugs should always treat lows with glucose, which is a simple sugar.

Why Glucose Tablets Are Better Than Other Sugars

Complex sugars don’t work fast enough for anyone who has gone low. For years the standard list has included a half glass of orange juice, sugar cubes, three or four Life Savers, a half cup of Coke or Pepsi, and two tablespoons or raisins. But none of these can compare with glucose tabs or gels in convenience, knowing how much to take, and most importantly, speed.

What to Do in Severe Hypoglycemia Emergencies

When someone becomes unconscious due to severe hypoglycemia:

• Do NOT give food or drink.
• Administer a glucagon injection or seek immediate medical help.
• Call 911 or get them to the nearest emergency room.

Severe lows require urgent care, and delaying proper treatment can have life-threatening consequences.

Stay Prepared: Keep Glucose Products on Hand

All of us susceptible to hypoglycemia really need to keep one of these products next to our beds, in our cars, and purses or briefcases. Treat your body and your glucose tabs or gels with respect and, as the Boy Scouts say, be prepared.

How ADS Can Support Your Diabetes Management and Prevention

At Advanced Diabetes Supply (ADS), we understand how important it is to be ready for every scenario.

With support from our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCESs), we offer personalized education and product guidance. From understanding the right glucose products to developing healthy habits that reduce your risk of lows, our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting you on your journey.

Stay prepared, stay safe — and know that ADS is by your side. Contact us today to learn more about our diabetes management supplies and personalized support.