What is the home remedy for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?

Home Treatment for Hypoglycemia

For conscious patients experiencing hypoglycemia, immediately administer 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, with pure glucose tablets being the preferred treatment. 1, 2, 3

Immediate Treatment Steps

First-Line Treatment for Conscious Patients

• Administer 15-20 grams of glucose tablets as soon as blood sugar drops to 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) or below 1, 2, 3
• Pure glucose is superior to other carbohydrate sources because it raises blood glucose more rapidly and effectively than equivalent amounts of juice, milk, or other sugars 1, 2, 4
• Recheck blood glucose after 15 minutes; if still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the 15-20 gram dose 1, 2, 3
• Continue this 15-minute cycle until blood glucose normalizes 1, 2, 3

Alternative Home Remedies When Glucose Tablets Unavailable

If glucose tablets are not accessible, use these alternatives containing 15-20 grams of simple carbohydrates 1, 3:

• 4-8 ounces of fruit juice (orange or apple juice) 1, 3
• 4-8 ounces of regular (non-diet) soda 1, 3
• 1 tablespoon of table sugar, honey, or corn syrup 3
• 15-25 jelly beans, gummy bears, or hard candies 3
• Skittles or Mentos candy (specific amounts tested in studies) 1

Important caveat: While these alternatives work, they are less effective than pure glucose. The glycemic response correlates better with glucose content than total carbohydrate content 1, 2. Orange juice and milk contain fructose and galactose respectively, which raise blood sugar more slowly than pure glucose 1.

Special Dosing for Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

• Patients using insulin pumps with automated delivery should use only 5-10 grams of carbohydrates for most hypoglycemic episodes 1, 2
• Use the full 15-20 gram dose only if hypoglycemia occurs with exercise or significant meal bolus overestimation 1, 2

After Initial Treatment

Preventing Recurrence

• Once blood glucose normalizes above 70 mg/dL, consume a meal or snack containing complex carbohydrates and protein to prevent recurrence 2, 5
• This step is critical because ongoing insulin activity can cause blood sugar to drop again 1
• If the next meal is more than one hour away, eat starchy or protein-rich foods after glucose normalizes 1

Critical Safety Warnings

When NOT to Give Oral Treatment

Never attempt oral treatment if the patient: 1, 3

• Is unconscious or semi-conscious
• Cannot follow commands
• Cannot swallow safely
• Is having a seizure

In these situations, call emergency services (911) immediately and use injectable or intranasal glucagon if available 1, 3, 5.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not use foods high in protein (like peanut butter or cheese) to treat acute hypoglycemia, as protein increases insulin secretion and may worsen the situation 1, 2
• Do not use foods high in fat (like chocolate or ice cream) as first-line treatment, as fat slows glucose absorption 1
• Do not over-treat by giving excessive amounts of sugar, as this leads to rebound hyperglycemia, which over time can be as harmful as recurrent hypoglycemia 1

Glucagon for Severe Episodes

When to Use Glucagon

• All patients at risk for severe hypoglycemia should have glucagon prescribed and readily available at home 1, 2, 5
• Administer glucagon when the patient cannot safely consume oral carbohydrates 1, 2, 5
• Newer formulations (intranasal and ready-to-inject) are preferred over traditional injectable glucagon due to ease of use 2, 6

Dosing

• Adults and children >25 kg or ≥6 years: 1 mg dose 5
• Children <25 kg or <6 years: 0.5 mg dose 5
• If no response after 15 minutes, repeat the dose while waiting for emergency assistance 5
• After glucagon administration, give oral carbohydrates once the patient can swallow 5

Prevention Strategies

Essential Home Preparations

• Always carry a source of sugar (glucose tablets, candy, or sugar packets) when away from home 1
• Keep glucose tablets or gel at bedside, in the car, at work, and in bags 1
• Wear medical alert identification stating diabetes diagnosis 1
• Educate family members, roommates, and coworkers on recognizing and treating hypoglycemia 1

During Illness

• Continue taking insulin (for type 1 diabetes) even when sick 1
• Consume 150-200 grams of carbohydrate daily (45-50 grams every 3-4 hours) to prevent starvation ketosis 1, 2
• Use liquid carbohydrates (juice, regular soda, soup) if unable to eat solid food 1
• Monitor blood glucose more frequently during illness 1, 2