Glucose supplements can serve as a first-aid treatment for diabetic patients experiencing hypoglycemia, a condition resulting from low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar decreases to a level of 70 mg/dL or less, according to Walgreens. At this level, hypoglycemia causes symptoms such as weakness, irritability, shakiness, hunger and loss of concentration. Patients can take glucose supplements to help increase the glucose levels in their blood. Always consult your physician before using any supplement to treat a serious health condition.
BD Glucose Tablets
BD Glucose Tablets contain 5 g of carbohydrates per tablet. According to DiabetesPro, glucose supplementation in the form of BD Glucose Tablets is a more effective replacement than fructose for treating acute hypoglycemia. However, the effectiveness of BD Glucose Tablets is only comparable to the potency of Skittles candy. Nevertheless, Walgreens states that over-the counter glucose agents may be more beneficial than candies like Skittles, as patients will not snack on these glucose agents.
Glucose Tablets
Glucose tablets contain 4 g of carbohydrates per tablet. According to Walgreens, this oral glucose preparation, like other glucose supplements, does not appear to work better or faster than simple glucose sources. However, most diabetic patients carry oral glucose preparations, because the glucose supplement containers are clearly marked so the patient knows how much to take during a hypoglycemic attack.
Insta-Glucose
Insta-Glucose usually comes in a 24 g per tube gel preparation. According to Drugs.com, oral administration of this glucose supplement is a good option for the management of hypoglycemia in conscious patients with diabetes who can tolerate oral glucose administration. In the case of an acute hypoglycemic attack, this gel preparation is usually administered at 15 g per dose, repeated after 15 minutes if necessary.
Glucose 15
Glucose 15 is one of the latest and most convenient devices for the management of type 2 diabetes, according to DocNews of the American Diabetes Association. Glucose 15 contains 15 g of glucose, a dose that is useful for speeding up recovery for most diabetic patients suffering from hypoglycemic episodes. Glucose 15 comes in a gel tube preparation, which eliminates measuring or counting, making it a safer option for hypoglycemic emergencies.
