To raise blood sugar quickly, especially if it falls below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), you should consume 15 to 30 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Examples include:
- A small glass (about 1/2 cup) of fruit juice (apple, orange, pineapple, grapefruit)
- Sugary fizzy drinks (non-diet soda)
- 3 to 5 glucose or dextrose tablets
- 4 large jelly babies or 12 gummy bears
- 1 tablespoon of honey, jam, or sugar dissolved in water
- 15 Skittles or 4 Starbursts
- Half a banana, a small apple or orange, or 15 grapes
After consuming these, wait 10 to 15 minutes and then recheck your blood sugar. If it remains low, repeat the process until your blood sugar rises above 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). Once stabilized, eat a longer-acting carbohydrate or a meal to maintain blood sugar levels, such as biscuits, a sandwich, or a balanced meal
. If someone is unconscious due to severe low blood sugar, do not give them food or drink. Instead, place them in the recovery position and administer a glucagon injection if available and you know how to use it. Stay with them until they recover and can safely swallow food or drink
. The American Diabetes Association recommends the "15-15 rule": eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, check blood sugar, and repeat if necessary
. Foods high in protein or fat (like peanut butter, chocolate, or ice cream) do not raise blood sugar quickly and are better for maintaining levels after the initial fast-acting carbs
