Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition where blood glucose levels drop below the healthy range. Immediate action is required because glucose is the primary fuel source for the brain and body. This article evaluates the use of candy to counteract a low blood sugar event and whether it is an appropriate choice for emergency treatment.
What Defines Low Blood Sugar
For most individuals with diabetes, low blood sugar is medically defined as a blood glucose reading below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This threshold signals a need for prompt intervention to restore the body’s energy supply. When blood sugar drops, the body releases hormones that trigger noticeable physical warnings. Common symptoms of this condition include feeling shaky or trembling, experiencing sudden sweating, and having a rapid or irregular heartbeat. As the glucose deficit worsens, brain function becomes impaired, leading to neuroglycopenic symptoms like confusion, difficulty concentrating, or slurred speech.
How Simple Sugars Treat Hypoglycemia
The biological requirement for treating low blood sugar is the rapid delivery of glucose into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates are classified into simple and complex forms, and only simple sugars are suitable for emergency treatment because they require minimal digestion. Glucose, also known as dextrose, is the simplest form of sugar and is absorbed immediately because it is the exact molecule the body uses for fuel. Other simple sugars, like sucrose (common table sugar), are disaccharides composed of equal parts glucose and fructose. The fructose component must be processed by the liver first, slightly delaying the full sugar rise compared to pure glucose. Rapid absorption is critical in a hypoglycemic event.
Evaluating Candy as a Treatment Option
Candy can work to treat low blood sugar because it contains simple sugars, but it is not considered the optimal choice. Many hard candies, such as those made primarily with sucrose or dextrose, provide the fast-acting carbohydrates needed to quickly raise blood glucose. However, a significant drawback is the lack of standardization in most candies. It can be difficult to calculate the precise 15 grams of carbohydrate recommended for treatment, as one may need to eat six or seven hard candies, depending on the brand and size.
Furthermore, many popular candies, especially chocolate bars or certain chewy varieties, contain substantial amounts of fat. Fat slows down the rate at which the stomach empties, which in turn delays the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This delay can be dangerous during a true low blood sugar emergency where every minute counts.
Optimal treatments, such as glucose tablets or gels, are specifically formulated with pure dextrose and are precisely pre-dosed. These options remove the guesswork and provide the fastest, most reliable delivery of glucose. Liquid options, like four ounces of fruit juice or regular soda, also offer rapid absorption without the slowing effect of fat, making them superior to most candies for emergency use.
Next Steps After Initial Recovery
Regardless of the initial treatment choice, the next step is to follow a structured protocol to ensure blood sugar levels are fully stabilized. This involves the “15-15 Rule,” which instructs the individual to consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate and then wait 15 minutes. After the waiting period, the blood sugar level must be retested to confirm the number has risen above the 70 mg/dL target. If the blood sugar remains below the target, the 15-15 Rule should be repeated until the level is within the safe range. Once the blood sugar is stable, it is important to eat a small snack or meal that contains both complex carbohydrates and protein to provide sustained energy. This follow-up step is necessary to prevent the blood sugar from dropping again shortly after the initial quick fix.