How to Raise Your Blood Sugar Quickly and Safely

Low blood sugar can leave you feeling shaky, sweaty and lightheaded. And people with diabetes are at higher risk. If they don’t act quickly, low blood sugar can become serious or even life-threatening.

A true low blood sugar emergency is much less common for people who don’t have diabetes, though, since the body usually does a good job of maintaining blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Still, certain situations — such as skipping meals, heavy exercise, illness or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach — can cause blood sugar to dip and make you uncomfortable.

Whether you’re managing diabetes or responding to an unexpected blood sugar drop, you can take simple steps to get your blood sugar back to a safer range.

What Is Low Blood Sugar?

Low blood sugar generally means your blood glucose level has dropped below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Glucose is your body’s primary source of energy, especially for your brain. When levels fall too low, your body and mind can’t function the way they should.

People with diabetes often use technology to monitor their blood sugar. One common option is a handheld meter that checks a small blood sample. A newer alternative is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a sensor worn on the body that provides real-time readings.

Low Blood Sugar Symptoms

Symptoms can come on quickly and vary from person to person. Common signs of low blood sugar include:

• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Hunger
• Irritability or mood changes
• Shakiness or trembling
• Sweating or chills

If you have a glucose meter and can check your level, do so. If not, treat based on how you feel. Waiting too long can make symptoms worse.

How to Raise Your Blood Sugar Quickly

Consuming fast-acting carbohydrates is the most reliable way to raise blood sugar levels quickly. These carbs are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and get glucose to the brain quickly. They contain sugar — not fat or fiber, which can slow down absorption.

The 15-15 Rule Explained

Experts recommend following the 15-15 rule when your blood sugar is low:

• Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates.
• Wait 15 minutes.
• Recheck your blood sugar or reassess how you feel.
• Repeat this process if your blood sugar remains below 70 mg/dL or your symptoms persist.

This method helps raise blood sugar without overshooting and causing a spike.

Best Foods and Drinks to Raise Blood Sugar Fast

These options typically provide about 15 grams of fast-acting carbs:

• Four ounces of fruit juice
• Four ounces of regular soda (not diet)
• One tablespoon of sugar or honey
• Three to four glucose tablets
• Sweets, such as a small handful of jelly beans or gummy bears (each piece contains about one gram of carbohydrates)

You can find glucose tablets in the pharmacy section of the grocery store. They are a good go-to solution for people who need to manage their glucose levels. Juice and soda work well, but may be more expensive or less readily available, which is why it’s helpful to know multiple options.

Once your blood sugar returns to a safer level, keep an eye on it. If your next meal is more than an hour away, consider eating a small snack with carbohydrates and protein, such as crackers with peanut butter. This nutrient combination helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

What Not to Do When Your Blood Sugar Is Low

Fat slows digestion, which delays the rise in blood sugar when your body needs it most. So, some choices won’t help quickly, such as:

• Foods high in fat, like chocolate or pastries
• Large meals instead of small, fast-acting carbs
• Ignoring symptoms and hoping they pass

When to Seek Emergency Care

Low blood sugar can become an emergency when left untreated. Get emergency help right away if:

• You become very confused, have a seizure or lose consciousness
• You can’t keep food or drinks down
• Your symptoms don’t improve after repeated treatment

Also, it’s important to know that if someone with low blood sugar is unconscious, you shouldn’t give them food or drink. Emergency care is needed.

How to Prevent Future Blood Sugar Drops

Preventing low blood sugar is a crucial aspect of maintaining your long-term well-being. Helpful steps include:

• Carrying fast-acting carbs with you
• Eating regular meals and snacks
• Monitoring blood sugar as recommended
• Taking medications as prescribed

Low blood sugar can be unsettling, but having a plan can help you feel more confident and in control. If episodes happen frequently, consult a health care provider. Whatever your concerns, we’re here to help you live life to the fullest.

Learn more about ways a primary care provider can support your whole health or explore AdventHealth’s network of diabetes experts and care near you.