Low blood sugar is known as hypoglycemia. This condition occurs when glucose in the body drops below normal levels. Glucose levels in the bloodstream are maintained primarily through diet. Carbohydrate-rich foods are the main source of dietary glucose. When left untreated, a drop in glucose can result in dizziness or fainting. Severe glucose drops can lead to more serious conditions, such as seizures or coma.
Step 1
Eat carbohydrates. As the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) points out, carbohydrates play the biggest role in increasing blood glucose levels. Eating a diet rich in foods such as potatoes, breads, cereals and fruit will increase your blood glucose level.
Step 2
Ingest a "quick-fix food." These foods raise blood glucose levels quickly after consumption. The NDIC recommends five or six pieces of hard candy, 4 oz. of any fruit juice or 1 tbsp. of honey or sugar if you need a spike in blood glucose levels.
Step 3
Take glucose tablets or gels. These products, ingested orally, can provide a quick spike in your blood glucose levels. The NDIC states that one serving of glucose gel equals 15 g of carbohydrate.
Step 4
Check your blood glucose every 15 minutes during episodes of hypoglycemia, NDIC recommends. The organization suggests taking another quick-fix food or serving of glucose tablets every 15 minutes until your blood glucose reaches 70 mg/dL or above.
Tips and Warnings
- Carry glucose packs with you at all times if you have a condition that calls for you to monitor your blood glucose levels. If you experience a bout of hypoglycemia and none of the foods that raise blood glucose are available, you can ingest glucose tablets or gels instead.
- Take steps to increase your blood sugar level if you experience hypoglycemia symptoms, which include sweating, hunger, shakiness, lethargy and confusion.
Things You'll Need
- Glucose gels or tablets
