Glucose tablets are primarily used to treat hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs if your blood glucose levels get too low. This can be a problem for diabetics -- especially those who take insulin -- because insulin injections can cause sudden drops in blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, fainting, irritability, cold sweats, malaise, a headache, trembling and tingling or numbness of the skin. Glucose tablets can be used to rapidly increase your blood glucose levels if you develop hypoglycemia.
Step 1
Take between 15g and 20g of glucose. This is the dose recommended by Diabetesnet.com; most glucose tablets contain 4g of glucose, so take four to five glucose tablets.
Step 2
Chew the glucose tablet thoroughly before you swallow. This will make the tablets easier to swallow and will also speed the absorption of the glucose.
Step 3
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 in 10 minutes if you still have symptoms of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can be dangerous if untreated, but you must allow for some time for the glucose to get into your bloodstream. You may need to take multiple doses, however, if you use long-acting insulin.
Step 4
After 30 minutes have passed, check your blood glucose levels to make sure that they are in the appropriate range.
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