What is the recommended dose of glucose for treating hypoglycemia?

From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of glucose for treating hypoglycemia is 20 grams of oral glucose or the equivalent in glucose-containing foods. This dose can rapidly restore blood glucose levels, and oral glucose is available in different forms such as tablets or gels that can be given through different routes in the first aid setting 1. It is crucial to treat hypoglycemia promptly as untreated hypoglycemia can cause seizures, status epilepticus, permanent brain injury, and death 1. Key points to consider when treating hypoglycemia include:

• Administration of 20 grams of oral glucose or the equivalent in glucose-containing foods
• Oral glucose tablets have demonstrated better resolution of symptoms compared to dietary sugars such as sucrose, fructose, orange juice, jellybeans, candy tablets, and milk 1
• For people with hypoglycemia who are unable to swallow, intravenous dextrose can be lifesaving 1
• Glucagon should be prescribed for all individuals at increased risk of level 2 or 3 hypoglycemia so that it is available should it be needed 1 It is essential to recheck blood glucose levels 15 minutes after treatment and repeat the treatment if blood glucose remains below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) 1. Once blood glucose returns to normal, eating a small snack containing both carbohydrates and protein is advisable if the next meal is more than an hour away.

From the FDA Drug Label

In insulin-induced hypoglycemia, intravenous injection of 10 to 25 grams of dextrose (20 to 50 mL of 50% dextrose) is usually adequate. The recommended dose of glucose for treating hypoglycemia is 10 to 25 grams of dextrose, which is equivalent to 20 to 50 mL of 50% dextrose 2.

• The dose may be repeated as needed in severe cases.
• Supportive treatment may also be required in severe cases.

From the Research

Recommended Dose of Glucose for Treating Hypoglycemia

The recommended dose of glucose for treating hypoglycemia varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual's response to treatment.

• For mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia, a dose of 15-16 grams of carbohydrates is often recommended 3, 4.
• In more severe cases, such as hypoglycemic coma, intravenous dextrose may be administered, with a typical dose of 25 grams of dextrose 5, 6, 7.
• The use of 10% dextrose has been shown to be effective in treating hypoglycemia, with a lower risk of adverse events compared to 50% dextrose 6, 7.

Factors Affecting Treatment Effectiveness

Several factors can affect the effectiveness of glucose treatment for hypoglycemia, including:

• The severity of the hypoglycemia, with more severe cases requiring more aggressive treatment 5, 4.
• The individual's insulin regimen and glucose metabolism, with those using insulin pumps or having impaired glucose regulation potentially requiring adjusted treatment 4.
• The type and dose of glucose administered, with different concentrations and doses of dextrose having varying effects on blood glucose levels 6, 7.

Administration of Glucose

Glucose can be administered in various forms, including:

• Oral carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or gel 3.
• Intravenous dextrose, which can be administered in different concentrations, such as 10%, 25%, or 50% 5, 6, 7.
• Intramuscular glucagon, which can be used in emergency situations where intravenous access is not available 5.