How many lifesavers for hypoglycemia

Jump to content. If you are at risk for low blood sugar levels because of diabetes or some other health condition, you need to keep with you at all times some type of food that can quickly raise your blood sugar level.

Eating quick-sugar food puts glucose into your bloodstream in about 5 minutes. Glucose or sucrose is the best choice. Choose foods that contain about 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate.

This table is just a guide. So check the nutrition label of the quick-sugar food you use to be sure it equals about 15 grams of carbohydrate. These quick-sugar foods will help raise your blood sugar in an emergency, because they are made from almost all carbohydrate. If you use a food not on this list to treat your low blood sugar, be sure it does not contain fat or protein. These can slow how quickly your body absorbs the carbohydrate. For example, regular cake frosting is made with both sugar and fat.

It is not a good choice as a quick-sugar food. Each of the following servings provides 15 grams of carbohydrate. Note: The foods listed above are easily absorbed and will raise blood sugar levels quickly. Foods that contain protein or fat — such as chocolate, candy bars, ice cream, cookies, crackers and bread — don't raise blood sugar quickly enough. UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information.

It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider. Foods containing carbohydrates become glucose or blood sugar when digested, and controlling blood sugar is important if you have diabetes.

Learn more now. Certain things can also put you at higher risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you skip or put off a meal or snack, take too much insulin, don't eat enough carbohydrates, exercise more than you regularly do, or drink alcohol. In addition, people with type 1 diabetes experience hypoglycemia more often than those with type 2.

Glucose tablets are tailor-made to help. This inexpensive fix for low blood sugar is widely available at pharmacies and large chain stores like Walmart and Target. Usually, three to four glucose tablets are needed to bring levels back up. Glucose is also sold in gel form in small packets, and as a beverage. Despite your best planning, you might find yourself experiencing low blood sugar when you're out and about, with no glucose tablets in reach.

Here are tips to keep in mind:.