A patient with diabetes experiences confusion or weakness. If conscious and able to swallow, what is the recommended treatment for suspected hypoglycemia?

• A. Wait for EMS to arrive
• B. Give water
• C. Give a large meal
• D. Give fast-acting glucose (such as glucose gel or juice) and recheck

Answer: (D)

When a diabetic patient is confused or weak but still conscious and able to swallow, the priority is to raise the blood sugar quickly with fast-acting glucose. Quick-acting forms such as glucose gel, juice, regular soda, or a glucose tablet enter the bloodstream rapidly and can reverse hypoglycemia within minutes.

Give the fast-acting glucose and then reassess in about 15 minutes to see if symptoms improve. If they do, offer a snack or meal with protein to help maintain blood sugar. If there’s no improvement, or symptoms worsen, call EMS.

Water or a large meal won’t help raise blood glucose quickly, so they aren’t appropriate for immediate treatment in this scenario.