From the Guidelines
The standard dosing for glucose tablets is to ingest 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, which is approximately 3-4 tablets of 4mg glucose tablets, when experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which typically occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL. After taking the tablets, wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood sugar. If your blood sugar remains low, repeat with another 3-4 tablets. Once your blood sugar returns to normal range, eat a small snack containing carbohydrates and protein if your next meal is more than an hour away. Each 4 mg glucose tablet provides approximately 4 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, which helps raise blood sugar quickly. These tablets work rapidly because they contain dextrose, a simple sugar that requires minimal digestion and enters the bloodstream quickly. Keep glucose tablets readily accessible, especially if you take insulin or medications that can cause hypoglycemia. Children typically require fewer tablets, usually 1-2 tablets based on their weight and the severity of their hypoglycemia.
Key Considerations
- The American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid recommend administering 20 g oral glucose or the equivalent in glucose-containing foods to rapidly restore blood glucose levels 1.
- The 2025 standards of care in diabetes recommend treating hypoglycemia with 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates at the hypoglycemia alert value of 70 mg/dL or less 1.
- Pure glucose is the preferred initial treatment, but any form of carbohydrate that contains glucose will raise blood glucose 1.
- Added fat may slow and then prolong the acute glycemic response, and dietary protein intake may increase insulin secretion and should not be used to treat hypoglycemia 1.
- Ongoing insulin activity or insulin secretagogues may lead to recurrent hypoglycemia unless more food is ingested after recovery 1.
From the Research
Dosing Instructions for Glucose 4 mg Tablets
There are no specific dosing instructions for glucose 4 mg tablets provided in the given studies. However, the following information can be gathered:
- The studies provided do not mention glucose 4 mg tablets, but rather discuss the treatment of hypoglycemia using various forms of glucose and other carbohydrates.
- One study 2 investigated the efficacy of different orally administered carbohydrates, including glucose in solution, tablets, and gel, in correcting blood glucose levels and alleviating clinical symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- The study found that ingestion of 15 g of carbohydrate in the form of glucose or sucrose tablets or as a solution provides an effective therapy for moderately severe hypoglycemia.
- Another study 3 compared the impact of dietary sugars and glucose tablets on the relief of symptomatic hypoglycemia and found that glucose tablets result in a higher rate of relief of symptomatic hypoglycemia 15 minutes after ingestion.
Key Points to Consider
- The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes carry a fast-acting source of glucose, such as glucose tablets or gel, to treat hypoglycemia.
- The dosage of glucose tablets may vary depending on the individual's needs and the severity of the hypoglycemia.
- It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or healthcare provider for the specific glucose tablet product being used.
Important Notes
- The studies provided do not specifically address the dosing instructions for glucose 4 mg tablets.
- It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on treating hypoglycemia and determining the appropriate dosage of glucose tablets.