Low blood sugar is without doubt one of the most difficult elements of dwelling with insulin-treated diabetes.
In case you’ve ever skilled a hypo, you know the way intense it may be: the sweating, the shakiness, the mind fog, and that overwhelming urge to eat every part in sight.
After 28 years of managing sort 1 diabetes, I’ve discovered that treating a low successfully isn’t nearly consuming no matter is close by—it’s about selecting the best meals that work quick, within the correct quantity, and avoiding those that may really make issues worse.
Within the video beneath, I break down the highest 10 greatest methods to boost blood sugar quick (ranked from “okay” to only), plus what to not seize throughout a hypo. I additionally clarify how a lot to eat, when to cease, and why the previous 15-15 rule nonetheless issues.
What Occurs Throughout Low Blood Sugar?
When your blood sugar drops beneath 70 mg/dL, your mind is operating low on gasoline. That triggers a hormonal cascade—together with the starvation hormone ghrelin—that drives you to eat instantly. However not all meals will increase blood sugar shortly or successfully.
Let’s dive into the highest 10 methods to deal with low blood sugar, ranked by how shortly and reliably they work.
Prime 10 methods to deal with low blood sugar
#10: Cake
Cake may sound like the final word consolation meals throughout a low, however it’s not your greatest wager. Whereas it’s loaded with sugar, the excessive fats content material slows digestion. Meaning slower absorption of glucose, which is not supreme while you want a fast repair.
- Glycemic Index: ~42–60
- Carb dose: ~½ slice for 15g carbs
- Verdict: Not quick sufficient for a severe low
#9: Ripe Banana
Bananas are pure and transportable, however their reasonable glycemic index means they’re higher for gentle lows or as a follow-up snack.
- Glycemic Index: ~51
- Carb dose: Half a big banana
- Verdict: Delicate lows solely; not supreme for crashes
#8: Fruit Pouches
Particularly nice at evening, fruit pouches are mess-free and straightforward to maintain by your mattress. Most include round 15g of carbs, however verify the label—some add fiber, which may gradual absorption.
- Glycemic Index: ~40–60
- Carb dose: 1 pouch
- Verdict: Straightforward, gentle choice with reasonable velocity
#7: Raisins
Small however mighty, raisins are a transportable and efficient snack. A mini field has about 15g of carbs and works shortly. Simply watch out to not overeat.
- Glycemic Index: ~66
- Carb dose: 2 tbsp or 1 mini field
- Verdict: Nice for on-the-go therapy
#6: Desk Sugar
In case you’re in a café or at residence and wish one thing fast, plain sugar works, particularly when combined with water for sooner absorption.
- Glycemic Index: ~65
- Carb dose: 1 tbsp
- Verdict: Quick and dependable, however not the quickest
#5: Honey
Honey is a favourite amongst those that favor “pure” choices. It really works pretty shortly and even absorbs below the tongue in emergencies.
- Glycemic Index: ~58
- Carb dose: 1 tbsp = ~15g carbs
- Verdict: Good middle-ground choice
#4: Sweet (Life Savers)
Arduous candies like Life Savers (not the sugar-free type!) increase blood sugar shortly, due to their excessive glycemic index. Simply be conscious of parts—sugar is sugar, and it’s straightforward to overdo it.
- Glycemic Index: ~80
- Carb dose: ~4 candies
- Verdict: Fast and attractive, however portion management is essential
#3: Orange Juice
OJ is a traditional therapy for a motive. It’s quick, efficient, and straightforward to drink while you’re too shaky to chew. My go-to? Child-size juice containers for comfort and pre-measured doses.
- Glycemic Index: ~66
- Carb dose: 4 oz (½ cup)
- Verdict: Ideally suited for reasonable to severe lows
#2: Common Soda
A small glass of sugary soda, like Coke or Sprite, can increase blood sugar quick. Simply ensure it’s not food regimen! Like juice, it’s greatest when pre-measured or portion-controlled.
- Glycemic Index: ~63
- Carb dose: 4 oz (½ cup)
- Verdict: Quick and efficient in a pinch
#1: Glucose Tablets
These are the gold customary for a motive. Glucose tabs are pure dextrose (GI of 100), extremely transportable, and straightforward to dose. You all the time know what you’re getting, which helps keep away from overtreating.
- Glycemic Index: 100
- Carb dose: 3–4 tablets
- Verdict: Simplest, most predictable
What NOT to Eat: Darkish Chocolate
Darkish chocolate may seem to be a deal with, however it’s a poor selection throughout a low. The excessive fats content material slows down digestion, which delays the glucose from hitting your bloodstream.
- Carb dose: ~1.5 oz
- Verdict: Skip it throughout a low—put it aside for dessert!
How A lot Ought to You Eat?
Most tips advocate the 15-15 Rule:
Eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, wait quarter-hour, and recheck your blood sugar.
In case you’re nonetheless low, repeat. However bear in mind: 15 grams isn’t all the time the correct amount for everybody. I generally solely want 4 grams (1 glucose tab) for a morning low. The hot button is to trace your responses and study what works for you.
Don’t depend on CGM alone for lows
Steady Glucose Displays (CGMs) are extremely useful, however throughout lows, they’ll lag behind by as much as 10 minutes. I all the time verify with a fingerstick earlier than and after treating a low, particularly when deciding whether or not I would like extra carbs.
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