Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Common Low Blood Sugar Treatments?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Low blood sugar treatments are usually either in the form of sugary foods or injections of glucose. Eating something sugary is the typical treatment for someone who experiences a sudden drop in blood sugar to raise it back up quickly. The sugar may be in the form of a candy bar, soda, or fruit juice. Some people have such severe problems with low blood sugar that they may be too weak to consume anything sugary, and in these cases it may be necessary for low blood sugar treatments such as glucose injections to be administered. There are also treatments available for people with ongoing low blood sugar problems, also called hypoglycemia, to help prevent its recurrence.

Some people, even those who are not hypoglycemic, may occasionally experience drops in blood sugar that make them feel weak or faint. This problem is particularly noticeable if a person has been sitting down for a long time and feels very dizzy as she stands up. Foods that are very high in sugar may be the best way to quickly raise blood sugar levels that have dropped low enough to make a person feel faint. Many people immediately start feeling better after they have eaten something sweet. Even though this does tend to happen to everyone occasionally, it very likely could be hypoglycemia if it happens to a person often.

Eating hard candies can quickly raise blood sugar.
Eating hard candies can quickly raise blood sugar.

Injections of glucose are one of the most valuable low blood sugar treatments for people who have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia. These injections are typically included in glucose kits that a hypoglycemic person may keep at home for such emergencies. A person with severe hypoglycemia might experience low blood sugar that plummets to dangerous levels, which may result in loss of consciousness. Glucose injections kept at home on hand at all times may be life savers for people who regularly struggle with severe hypoglycemia, and are usually effective enough to help a hypoglycemic person quickly recover consciousness.

A candy bar can be a quick fix for low blood sugar.
A candy bar can be a quick fix for low blood sugar.

Low blood sugar treatments are typically useful and are often considered a very important temporary remedy for hypoglycemic people, but it is important for any person with chronic low blood sugar to discover the root of the problem. Hypoglycemia may be a result of an underlying problem, such as diabetes or a tumor on the pancreas, that will require medical attention. A person who frequently experiences drops in blood sugar should see a doctor about what possible ailments may be contributing to the problem. In the meantime, it may be possible to prevent the recurrence of hypoglycemia by eating small meals regularly throughout the day and well-balanced foods that are high in fiber.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Eating hard candies can quickly raise blood sugar.
      By: Bert Folsom
      Eating hard candies can quickly raise blood sugar.
    • A candy bar can be a quick fix for low blood sugar.
      By: margo555
      A candy bar can be a quick fix for low blood sugar.
    • A blood sugar test can be done at home to monitor blood sugar levels and determine if an injection of glucose may be necessary to maintain levels.
      By: PhotoSG
      A blood sugar test can be done at home to monitor blood sugar levels and determine if an injection of glucose may be necessary to maintain levels.
    • Anything below 70 milligrams per deciliter is considered a low blood sugar level.
      By: zothen
      Anything below 70 milligrams per deciliter is considered a low blood sugar level.