A conscious person with suspected hypoglycemia should be given how much fast-acting sugar?

A conscious person with suspected hypoglycemia should be given how much fast-acting sugar?

• A. 15-20 grams of fast-acting sugar
• B. A full glass of water
• C. A piece of cheese
• D. A handful of nuts

Answer: (A)

When someone is conscious but suspected of having low blood sugar, the goal is to raise their glucose quickly with a fast-acting carbohydrate. About 15–20 grams is the right amount to use. This dose provides immediate sugar that the body can absorb rapidly, helping to restore mental function and prevent progression to more serious symptoms. After giving that amount, wait about 15 minutes and recheck their blood glucose; if it’s still low, repeat the same dose. Once symptoms improve, it’s good to have a snack with protein or complex carbohydrates to help maintain levels. Water can’t raise blood sugar, so it won’t help acutely. Cheese and nuts contain fat and protein that slow digestion, so they don’t provide the rapid glucose boost needed for hypoglycemia.

When someone is conscious but suspected of having low blood sugar, the goal is to raise their glucose quickly with a fast-acting carbohydrate. About 15–20 grams is the right amount to use. This dose provides immediate sugar that the body can absorb rapidly, helping to restore mental function and prevent progression to more serious symptoms. After giving that amount, wait about 15 minutes and recheck their blood glucose; if it’s still low, repeat the same dose. Once symptoms improve, it’s good to have a snack with protein or complex carbohydrates to help maintain levels.

Water can’t raise blood sugar, so it won’t help acutely. Cheese and nuts contain fat and protein that slow digestion, so they don’t provide the rapid glucose boost needed for hypoglycemia.