Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia Treatment

The two methods used to treat hypoglycemia are medication and taking steps to increase your blood sugar through food.

Hypoglycemia medication

Your provider may prescribe the following medications for hypoglycemia:

Managing a hypoglycemic episode

If you know that you have hypoglycemia or diabetes, you may already know some strategies to help raise your blood sugar in the event of a moderate hypoglycemic episode. The American Diabetes Association recommends the 15–15 rule^[11] for quickly and safely raising an adult’s blood sugar using simple carbohydrates. (Keep in mind that children, toddlers, and infants may need less than 15 grams of carbohydrates to return to a normal blood glucose level.) The 15–15 rule suggests consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates in one of the following forms:

• One tablespoon of honey
• Glucose tablets
• Gel tube
• 4oz of juice or soda
• Hard candies

15 minutes after consuming one of these carbohydrate sources, you can recheck your blood sugar. If your blood glucose level is below 70 mg/dL, the ADA recommends that you have another serving of carbohydrates. When your blood sugar cannot be raised by your own methods and you require additional medical intervention, you are considered to be experiencing a severe hypoglycemic episode. In this case, the ADA suggests using a glucagon kit (injectable glucagon), which can be administered by a family member or friend who knows how to use the kit. If you are assisting someone who is hypoglycemic and you do not know how to use the glucagon kit, do not hesitate to call 911.