In suspected hypoglycemia, if the patient is awake and able to manage oral secretions, what is recommended?

• A. Provide juice
• B. Do not give oral glucose
• C. 3 oral glucose tabs or paste (15 gm total)
• D. Wait for EMS

Answer: (C)

When a person is suspected of hypoglycemia and is awake and able to swallow, the priority is to rapidly raise blood glucose with a small, fast-acting, measured amount of glucose. The recommended approach is about 15 grams of glucose given as three glucose tablets (typically 5 g each) or an equivalent amount of glucose paste. This provides a known, rapid dose that is easy to absorb and minimizes the risk of choking compared with larger volumes of liquid. After administration, recheck the patient’s status and blood glucose in about 15 minutes and repeat if symptoms or glucose remain low. Waiting for EMS is not necessary if the patient can swallow safely and you can monitor and recheck promptly.