The dizziness, physical weakness, and confusion caused by hypoglycemia are familiar to a Type 1 diabetic whose blood sugar reasonably falls below the “normal” threshold. Additionally, I understand the importance of having food and drink items available to boost blood glucose levels quickly.
A wide range of factors can cause hypoglycemia, a medical condition where blood sugar falls below a “normal” level—for example, heavy exercise, pregnancy, infections, medications, diabetes, and insulin injections.
Diabetes patients get to know glucose tablets early in their experience with the disease, which are essential tools for treating hypoglycemia. “The best way to treat hypoglycemia is with glucose tablets because they contain premeasured amounts of fast-acting glucose,” said Dr. Luis Casaubon.
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Blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can lead to serious health problems. Casaubon explains that the hypo-to-hyperglycemic jump occurs because of “a biochemical process that occurs before the patient feels back to normal.”
Fruit Juice
A registered dietitian and education specialist, Amanda Lane says juice is one of the fastest ways to raise blood sugars because it is high in simple sugars and fat. In addition to orange juice, cranberry juice, apple juice and even fruit punch also do the trick. Glucose tablets can be conveniently left at home, even for diabetics or chronic hypoglycemics.
Skittles, Jelly Beans And Starbust
It’s crucial to choose sugar-forward candies without fat if treating hypoglycemia with candy. Sugar-forward candies with no fat slow down glucose absorption into the blood. Sherry Roberts, a registered dietician, recommends 10-15 Skittles or jelly beans.
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Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich
We’ve covered some fast-acting glucose options, and now let’s talk about foods that can help stabilize your blood sugar after correction.
In addition to glucose tablets or fruit juice, registered dietitian Hayley Miller recommends a meal that contains three macronutrients: complex carbohydrates (starch and fiber), protein, and fat.
Her favorite sandwich for this task is peanut butter and jelly. She noted, “It gives you all three macronutrients.” There are fats and proteins in peanut butter, complex carbohydrates in wheat bread, and simple sugars in the jelly.