Quick-Sugar Foods - Topic Overview
Because you are at risk for low blood sugar levels, either because you have diabetes or some other health condition that can cause low blood sugar, you need to keep some type of food with you at all times that can quickly raise your blood sugar level. Eating quick-sugar food puts glucose into your bloodstream in about 5 minutes. Glucose or sucrose is the best choice, but any quick-sugar food on this list will raise your blood sugar about 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Foods that will help raise your blood sugar includes:
| Food | Amount |
|---|---|
| Glucose tablets | 3 tablets |
| Glucose gel | � tube |
| Table sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Fruit juice or regular soda pop | � cup |
| Fat-free milk | 1 cup |
| Honey or corn syrup | 1 tablespoon |
| Jam | 2 tablespoons |
| Raisins | 2 tablespoons |
| Gum drops | 7 small |
| Life Savers candy | 8 pieces |
| Hard candy | 3 pieces |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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