Low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, occurs when blood glucose levels drop below a healthy range. For most individuals with diabetes, this is below 70 mg/dL; for many without diabetes, it’s below 55 mg/dL. Symptoms can include shaking, sweating, confusion, and dizziness. Many wonder if candy is a suitable solution for this sudden drop.
How Sugar Affects Blood Glucose
When you consume carbohydrates, your digestive system breaks them down into glucose. This glucose is absorbed into your bloodstream, serving as the body’s primary energy source.
After glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that signals cells to absorb glucose for immediate energy or storage. Simple sugars are quickly absorbed, leading to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This rapid absorption is why sugary items are often considered for a fast glucose boost.
Why Candy Is Not Ideal
Despite its rapid sugar content, candy is generally not the most effective option for treating low blood sugar. A significant issue is the variable and imprecise sugar content, making it difficult to gauge the exact amount of glucose. This can lead to consuming too much or too little.
Many candies also contain fats or proteins that can significantly slow glucose absorption. For instance, the fat in chocolate can delay sugar digestion, leading to a slower response when a quick rise in blood sugar is needed. This delay can prolong hypoglycemia symptoms.
Using candy can also lead to “overcorrection,” where blood sugar levels spike too high after treatment. Frequent consumption, especially of sticky candies, also poses a risk to dental health. These factors make pure, fast-acting glucose sources preferable for managing hypoglycemia.
Better Options for Low Blood Sugar
Effective treatment for low blood sugar focuses on providing a quick and predictable source of glucose. A common guideline is the “15-15 rule”: consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, then recheck blood sugar levels. If still below target (e.g., 70 mg/dL), repeat the process until levels rise to a safe level.
Preferred options include glucose tablets or gel, which offer pure, precisely dosed glucose for rapid absorption. Other effective choices are half a cup (4 ounces) of fruit juice or regular soda (not diet). A tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup also provides about 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. These options are quickly absorbed, leading to a predictable increase in blood glucose levels without the interfering effects of fats or proteins.
When to Get Medical Help
Recognizing when to seek medical attention for low blood sugar is important. If low blood sugar persists despite self-treatment with fast-acting carbohydrates, consult a healthcare provider. This indicates that usual methods are not sufficient to stabilize blood glucose.
Immediate medical help is necessary if an individual loses consciousness, has a seizure, or becomes severely confused and unable to consume sugar orally. These severe symptoms suggest a medical emergency. Recurring episodes of hypoglycemia should prompt a discussion with a healthcare professional to adjust treatment plans and identify underlying causes.