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Hypoglycemia is one of the most challenging parts of living with diabetes that has been treated with insulin.
If you've ever experienced a hypo, you know how intense it is: sweating, trembling, fog in your brain, and its overwhelming urge is the urge to eat everything in your eyes.
After managing type 1 diabetes for 28 years, I learned that effectively treating low ones is not just eating nearby ones. It's about choosing the right foods that work quickly in the right amount and avoiding anything that can actually make things worse.
In the video below we will analyze the top 10 best ways to increase your blood sugar levels faster (ranked from “ok” to the most effective), as well as the ones that you can't hold between the hypos. We'll also explain how much you eat, when to stop, and why the old 15-15 rules are still important.
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What happens during hypoglycemia?
When blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL, the brain is getting low in fuel. It causes a hormone cascade containing the hanger hormone ghrelin and quickly becomes eating. However, not all foods increase blood sugar levels quickly or effectively.
Dive into the top 10 ways to treat hypoglycemia.
Top 10 Ways to Treat Hypoglycemia
#10: Cake
Cakes may sound like the ultimate comfortable food in low times, but that's not your best bet. High fat content slows digestion while sugar is loaded. This means that glucose absorption is slow. This is not ideal if you need quick fixes.
Glycemic Index: ~42–60 Carbohydrate Dosage: ~½ Slice of Carbohydrate at 15g: Seriously Lower Not Fast
#9: Ripe Banana
Bananas are natural and portable, but a moderate glycemic index means they are suitable for mild low levels and follow-up snacks.
Glycemic index: ~51 Carbohydrate Dosage: Half Large Banana Verdict: Only mildly low. Not ideal for crashes
#8: Fruit Pouch
Great, especially at night, the fruit pouch is not confusing and can be easily stored in bed. Most contain about 15g of carbohydrates, but check the label. Add fibers that can slow absorption.
Glycemic index: ~40–60 Carbohydrate Dosage: 1 Pouch Verdict: Easy and mild options with moderate speed
#7: Raisins
Small but powerful raisins are portable and effective snacks. The mini box has about 15g of carbohydrates and works quickly. Be careful not to eat too much.
Glycemic Index: ~66 Carbohydrate Dosage: 2 tablespoons or 1 mini box Verdict: Perfect for treatment while on the go
#6: Table Sugar
If you're in a cafe or at home, especially when mixing with water to speed up absorption, you need to have a quick, plain sugar working.
Glycemic index: ~65 Carbohydrate Dosage: 1 Tablespoon Verdict: Fast and reliable, but not the fastest
#5: Honey
Honey is a favorite among those who prefer the “natural” option. It works pretty quickly and even absorbs under the tongue in emergencies.
Glycemic Index: ~58 Carbohydrate Dosage: 1 Tablespoon = ~15g Carbohydrate Verdict: Good Intermediate Options
#4: Candy (Life Saver)
Hard candies like Lifesaver (not sugar-free variety!) quickly raise blood sugar levels thanks to their high blood sugar index. Please be careful of some of them. Sugar is sugar and it's easy to overdo.
Glycemic Index: ~80 Carbohydrate Dosage: ~4 Candy Verdict: Fast and tasty, but potion control is important
#3: Orange juice
OJ is a classic treatment for reasons. When you are shaking too much to chew, it is fast, effective and easy to drink. Can you trust me? Children's sized juice box for convenience and pre-measured doses.
Glycemic Index: ~66 Carbohydrate Dosage: 4 oz (½ cup) Verdict: Perfect for medium to serious lowest
#2: Regular Soda
Small glasses of sugar-like soda like coke or sprite can increase your blood sugar levels quickly. Make sure it's not a diet! Like juice, it is best to measure it in advance or to be potion controlled.
Glycemic Index: ~63 Carbohydrate Dosage: 4 oz (½ cup) Verdict: Quick and Effective in a Pinch
#1: Glucose tablets
These are gold standards for reasons. The glucose tab is pure dextrose (100 GI), very portable and easy to dosage. You always know what you're getting. This helps to avoid overtreatment.
Glycemic index: 100 Carbohydrate Dosage: 3-4 Tablet Verdict: Most Effective and Most Predictable
What to eat: Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate may look like a snack, but it's a poor choice at low times. High fat content slows digestion and slows glucose from hitting the bloodstream.
Carbohydrate Dosage: ~1.5 oz Verdict: Skip to the low range. For dessert!
How much should I eat?
Most guidelines recommend the 15-15 rule.
Eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes and double check your blood sugar levels.
If it's still low, repeat. However, remember. 15 grams is not necessarily the right amount for everyone. For morning lows, you may only need 4 grams (1 glucose tab). The key is to track your responses and learn what works for you.
Don't rely solely on CGM
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are extremely useful, but can be delayed up to 10 minutes for the lowest. I always check with the touch of my finger before and after treating the lower ones when determining whether or not I need more carbohydrates.
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