When blood sugar is low, it is important to consume foods or drinks that can quickly raise blood sugar levels. Here are some options:
- Juice or regular soda: 4 ounces (½ cup) of juice or regular soda can help raise blood sugar levels.
- Sugar, honey, or syrup: 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup can also help raise blood sugar levels.
- Hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops: These items have about 15 grams of carbs and can be used to raise blood sugar levels. Check the food label for how much to eat.
- Glucose tablets or gel: These are specifically designed to raise blood sugar levels and can be used when blood sugar is severely low.
- Fruit: Fresh or dried fruit can help raise blood sugar levels. Fruits that provide the appropriate amount of carbohydrates include half a banana, 15 grapes, two tablespoons of raisins, or a small apple or orange.
- Fruit juice: Half a cup (4 ounces) of fruit juice, such as apple, orange, pineapple, or cranberry juice, can also help raise blood sugar levels.
- Milk: Drinking one cup of fat-free milk can help raise blood sugar levels.
- Honey or jam: Having one tablespoon of honey or jam as a snack after blood sugar dips is a good way to balance out blood glucose levels.
It is important to follow the 15-15 rule when treating low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL: have 15 grams of carbs and check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it’s still below your target range, have another serving. Repeat these steps until it’s in your target range. Once it’s in range, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it doesn’t get too low again. If blood sugar is less than 55 mg/dL, it is considered severely low and injectable glucagon is the best way to treat it. A glucagon kit is available by prescription, and it is important to speak with a doctor to see if it is necessary.
