From the Guidelines
Glucose tablets should be taken when blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL or when experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, with a standard dose of 15-20 grams of glucose, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The dose can be repeated after 15 minutes if blood sugar levels remain low, and once levels normalize, a snack containing protein and carbohydrates should be consumed to prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia. Some key points to consider when using glucose tablets include:
- Always carrying them, especially if taking insulin or medications that lower blood sugar
- Storing them at room temperature in their original container
- Checking the specific instructions on the package, as glucose content may vary between brands
- Being aware that glucose tablets work quickly because they contain dextrose, a simple sugar that rapidly enters the bloodstream without requiring digestion, making them more effective than candy or juice for treating hypoglycemia 1. It's also important to note that hypoglycemia can have serious consequences, such as seizures, status epilepticus, permanent brain injury, and death, if left untreated 1, and that ongoing assessment of cognitive function is suggested with increased vigilance for hypoglycemia by the clinician, patient, and caregivers if impaired or declining cognition is found 1.
From the Research
Glucose Tab Prescription Instructions
- The standard treatment for hypoglycemia is oral carbohydrate, but it often results in hyperglycemia and entails extra caloric intake 2.
- Glucose tablets are a common treatment for non-severe hypoglycemia, and the recommended dose is 15-20g of glucose 3.
- However, some studies suggest that the amount of glucose should be related to the patient's weight 3.
- Glucose tablets can successfully treat mild hypoglycemia, with a success rate of 95% in one study 2.
- The use of glucose tablets can result in higher maximum glucose levels over the first hour after treatment, compared to low-dose glucagon 2.
Administration and Dosage
- The administration of glucose tablets should be based on the patient's individual needs and the severity of the hypoglycemia 4.
- Patients with type 1 diabetes who experience frequent mild hypoglycemia may benefit from using glucose tablets or low-dose glucagon to treat non-severe hypoglycemia 2.
- The dosage of glucose tablets may need to be adjusted based on the patient's response to treatment and their individual characteristics, such as weight and activity level 3.
Comparison to Other Treatments
- Low-dose glucagon can be a useful alternative to glucose tablets for treating mild hypoglycemia, especially when trying to avoid unnecessary caloric intake 2.
- Glucagon injection is a common treatment for severe hypoglycemia in non-professional settings, while intravenous administration of glucose is preferable in professional settings 3.
- The choice of treatment for hypoglycemia should be based on the individual patient's needs and the severity of the hypoglycemia, as well as their medical history and other factors 4, 5.