Glucose tablets, also known as dextrose, are a convenient, rapid-acting source of glucose designed to address low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). They quickly elevate blood glucose when it drops below a healthy range. These tablets are a common tool for managing hypoglycemia and are readily available in the diabetes care section of pharmacies.
How Quickly Glucose Tablets Work
Glucose tablets typically begin raising blood sugar levels within 10 to 15 minutes. This rapid response is due to their pure glucose composition, a simple sugar that doesn’t require extensive digestion. Unlike complex carbohydrates, dextrose is absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the mouth and digestive system. This direct absorption allows glucose to quickly enter circulation and improve hypoglycemia symptoms.
The effectiveness of glucose tablets stems from this immediate availability of sugar, crucial when blood glucose levels are falling rapidly. While stomach contents might slightly influence absorption, these tablets prioritize speed. For example, taking them on an empty stomach may lead to marginally faster absorption than after a meal. Despite minor variations, their rapid timeline offers a reliable intervention for low blood sugar.
What to Do After Taking Glucose Tablets
After consuming glucose tablets, follow the “Rule of 15.” This guideline advises taking 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Since a typical tablet contains about 4 grams of sugar, three to four tablets are generally needed to achieve the 15-gram target. Wait 15 minutes, then recheck your blood sugar.
If blood sugar remains below 70 mg/dL after 15 minutes, repeat the 15-gram carbohydrate dose. Continue this cycle every 15 minutes until levels rise above 70 mg/dL. Once blood sugar has stabilized, consume a small snack with protein and complex carbohydrates. This helps prevent a subsequent drop, maintaining stable levels until your next meal.
When to Get Medical Help
Seek professional medical intervention if blood sugar levels do not respond after multiple glucose tablet doses, or if hypoglycemia symptoms worsen. These symptoms can include increasing confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation.
Medical help is also needed if the individual becomes unconscious or experiences seizures. In severe emergencies, a prescription medication called glucagon may be administered to help the liver release stored glucose. If glucagon is unavailable or the person doesn’t recover within 10 minutes, contact emergency services immediately.