Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar and can occur at anytime to someone with diabetes. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, hunger, headache, confusion and possibly seizures. Hypoglycemia is dangerous for people with diabetes, and treatment needs to be quick. The American Diabetes Association recommends sugar as treatment for hypoglycemia. Many people with diabetes carry around glucose tablets because they contain an easily absorbable sugar, D-glucose.
Dextrose
The dextrose in glucose tablets is chemically known as D-glucose. D-glucose is an easily absorbed simple carbohydrate, according to the authors of "Food Chemistry." It is also the sugar found in the blood stream that cells use as their source of energy. The most abundant ingredient found in glucose tablets dextrose.
Natural Flavoring
The second ingredient listed on the glucose tablet label is natural flavoring. Natural flavoring could be any one of a number of ingredients, such as essential oils, protein hydrolysate, fruit or fruit juice or edible yeast, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. Natural flavorings flavor the tablets without adding any significant nutritional value.
Malic and Citric Acid
The additives malic acid and citric acid act as preservatives in glucose tablets. They increase the acidity of the tablets and prevent microbes from forming. Malic and citric acids also produce a sour or tart taste, according to the authors of "Food Chemistry."
Silica, Magnesium Stearate and Stearic Acid
Silica, another additive found in glucose tablets, is used as an anticaking agent, according to Codex Alimentarius. Anticaking means it prevents the formation of clumps. It acts by preventing the tablets from absorbing water. Magnesium stearate is present in glucose tablets and is also an anticaking agent, according to "Food Chemistry." Stearic acid is another food additive used as an anticaking agent. It also acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer, according to Codex Alimentarius.
Dyes
Glucose tablets may also contain food dyes, according to the Diachieve food label. The dye varies depending on the glucose tablet flavor. The Diachiave cherry flavor contains FD&C red #40. Red # 40 is the most commonly used food dye, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Some people may be sensitive to this dye and it may cause hyperactivity in children, continues CSPI. The orange flavor glucose tablet contains FD&C yellow #6 Lake. It is the third most widely used food dye. Some may be hypersensitive to this dye as well.
References
- Diachieve: Glucose Tablets
- American Diabetes Association: Hypoglycemia
- "Food Chemistry"; O.R. Fennema; 1996
- Codex Alimentarius: Silica
- Vegetarian Resource Group: Natural Flavors
