Side Effects Of Oral Glucose

Glucose tablets, as their name suggests, are tablets containing the sugar glucose; they are chewable and work quickly to raise blood glucose. They are used in the treatment of hypoglycemia, or abnormally low blood sugar. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) reminds its readers that hypoglycemia is actually quite rare -- most often, hypoglycemia occurs in patients with diabetes as a side effect of treatment. For these patients, oral glucose tablets are useful because they can quickly and easily raise blood sugar levels to normal levels. However, sometimes, unwanted effects may result.

Hyperglycemia

The American Diabetes Association recommends that during episodes of hypoglycemia, diabetic patients treat low blood sugar with an initial "dose" of 15 g of carbohydrates, which is the number of carbohydrates present in about 3 to 4 glucose tablets, depending on the type of tablet. However, patients may be tempted to simply take as many tablets as needed to start feeling better immediately due to the unpleasant and frightening symptoms of rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, perspiration, and anxiety, which occur during an episode of hypoglycemia. While this may seem like a reasonable step, in reality, taking too many tablets can result in the opposite problem, that is, hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar. A diabetic patient treating her hypoglycemia should take only 4 tablets of glucose, wait about 20 minutes, then re-check her blood sugar. If the level is still low -- defined by the NDIC as a sugar of less than 70 mg/dL -- another 15 g "serving" of glucose tablets may be taken. This slow, step-wise approach to treating a low blood sugar can help prevent the development of hyperglycemia.

Skin Reaction

In rare cases, people may experience an allergic reaction to glucose tablets. This is because glucose tablets generally contain ingredients other than glucose or dextrose. For example, some glucose tablets contain additional ingredients such as silica or dye ingredients like FD&C Yellow #6 or FD&C Red #40. Patients who are allergic to such additives may experience symptoms such as hives, rashes, and itchiness of their skin. If taking a "dose" of glucose tablets results in this response, patients should consider finding a different formulation or different flavor tablet as each type will have its own ingredient list and it is likely that a certain brand or certain flavor will omit the allergy-causing ingredient. It is possible that the ingredient to which the patient is allergic is indeed found in all available forms of glucose tablets. When this situation occurs, the patient may consider using alternative sugar-raising options. However, before making this decision, she should discuss this with her healthcare provider.

Anaphylactic Reaction

In rare cases, a patient may have a severe allergy to one or more ingredients in glucose tablet formulations. Severe allergic reactions are called anaphylactic reactions. As described by Dr. Stephen Kemp, in the medical reference UpToDate, they occur because cells within the body, most often immune system cells, get activated by a "trigger" substance, or allergen. This activation results in the release of different chemicals throughout the body, including histamine, which results in many organs and systems being affected including the heart and lungs. Symptoms indicating that a patient is experiencing an anaphylactic response include swelling of the lips and tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fainting or a sudden collapse, and incontinence. An anaphylactic reaction, whether to glucose tablets or another allergy-triggering substance, is a medical emergency: it progresses rapidly and can be fatal. Patients who are experiencing such symptoms after taking glucose tablets should receive medical attention as quickly as possible.