From the Guidelines
Glucose tablets are the preferred treatment for hypoglycemia in people with diabetes, as they can rapidly restore blood glucose levels and are available in a precise and predictable dose. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, administration of 20 g oral glucose or the equivalent in glucose-containing foods can rapidly restore blood glucose levels. Glucose products that are swallowed, such as tablets or gels, result in higher blood glucose levels than buccally applied glucose.
The benefits of glucose tablets include:
- Rapid restoration of blood glucose levels
- Precise and predictable dosing
- Portability and long shelf life
- Lack of fat, which could slow glucose absorption
- Superiority to dietary sugars, such as sucrose, fructose, orange juice, jellybeans, candy tablets, and milk, in resolving symptoms of hypoglycemia 1
It is essential to note that untreated hypoglycemia can cause seizures, status epilepticus, permanent brain injury, and death 1. Therefore, it is crucial to treat hypoglycemia promptly and effectively. Glucose tablets have been shown to demonstrate better resolution of symptoms 15 minutes after treatment compared with dietary sugars 1.
In the event of hypoglycemia, it is recommended to consume 15-20 grams of glucose, typically 3-4 standard glucose tablets, and wait 15 minutes before rechecking blood sugar levels 1. If blood sugar levels remain below 70 mg/dL, the treatment should be repeated. People with diabetes should carry glucose tablets at all times, especially when exercising or taking medications that may lower blood sugar.
From the Research
Glucose Tabs and Hypoglycemia Management
- Glucose tabs are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, but the management of hypoglycemia is discussed in detail 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Rapid-acting glucose is the preferred treatment for conscious patients experiencing hypoglycemia, regardless of the setting 2.
- For unconscious patients, glucagon is preferred if the patient does not have intravenous (IV) access, and dextrose can be used for patients with IV access 2, 3.
Glucagon Formulations and Efficacy
- New formulations of glucagon, including intranasal and subcutaneous autoinjector formulations, have become available and are easier to use than traditional formulations 4, 6.
- Intranasal glucagon has been shown to be effective in resolving hypoglycemia in conscious patients with type 1 diabetes, with similar efficacy to injected intramuscular/subcutaneous glucagon 5.
- The ease of use and efficacy of new glucagon formulations make them a valuable option for the management of hypoglycemia, particularly in emergency situations 6.
Treatment of Severe Hypoglycemia
- Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications or death 3, 4.
- Glucagon is a critical medication for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia, particularly in situations where the patient is unconscious or unable to consume glucose 3, 4, 6.
- The choice of treatment for severe hypoglycemia depends on the patient's level of consciousness, IV access, and other factors, with glucagon and dextrose being common options 2, 3.