What is the immediate treatment for suspected hypoglycemia if the patient is conscious and able to swallow?

• A. Administer 15-20 g of oral glucose or a fast-acting carbohydrate and reassess
• B. Give insulin
• C. Give 50% dextrose IV
• D. Drink water

Answer: (A)

Immediate treatment for suspected hypoglycemia when the patient is conscious and able to swallow is to raise blood glucose quickly with a fast-acting oral carbohydrate. Give about 15–20 grams of carbohydrate—examples include glucose tablets or gel, fruit juice, or regular soda—and reassess the patient after roughly 15 minutes. If symptoms improve and glucose rises, offer a small snack to maintain levels. Do not give insulin, as that would lower blood glucose further. IV dextrose is used only when the patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, and water won’t reliably correct hypoglycemia. The goal is rapid restoration of normal glucose with a safe, noninvasive method.