Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. To lower elevated blood sugars, many diabetics require the use of insulin or oral medications. Unfortunately, the use of these drugs can excessively lower blood glucose, resulting in a condition called hypoglycemia. Glucose tablets are a convenient and effective method of raising blood sugar when hypoglycemia occurs.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results in poor utilization of glucose by muscle and tissue cells. In non-diabetics, insulin secreted by the pancreas signals the uptake of glucose into muscle and tissue cells. However, diabetics suffer from poor insulin production or decreased insulin sensitivity, which results in the accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream. Prolonged exposure to high blood sugars is a major risk factor for the development of kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, blindness, neuropathies and foot ulcers.
Diabetic Medications
Many diabetics use prescription oral medications or insulin to lower blood sugars. Although effective, certain circumstances -- including inappropriate dosage -- can result in excessively low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia. All diabetic medications have the potential to cause hypoglycemia. However, the highest risk occurs in patients using insulin or medications in the drug class known as a sulfonylurea.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia can be a frightening experience that occurs abruptly. Mild to moderate symptoms of hypoglycemia include thirst, hunger, sweating, confusion, lethargy, fatigue, headache and irritability. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness or cause life-threatening seizures. Hypoglycemia is considered a medical emergency and requires appropriate medical treatment. Although there is no set blood glucose level to determine the presence of hypoglycemia, the risk increases as blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL.
Glucose Tablets for Hypoglycemia
Patients who take medications that can cause hypoglycemia should become familiar with identifying early symptoms and the appropriate action to take when symptoms occur. To treat hypoglycemia, patients should consume sources of sugar that can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and elevate blood glucose back to normal levels. Glucose tablets are a convenient method of carrying a glucose supply that can be used to treat mild and moderate hypoglycemia. The most popular formulation of glucose tablets contains 4 g of glucose for each tablet. The initial recommended dose is three to four tablets. However, patients may take as many tablets as needed to raise glucose to the appropriate levels. In addition to glucose rescue, emergency medical aid should be called for severe cases of hypoglycemia.
