1. The Golden Time for Hypoglycemia First Aid
Hypoglycemia is an emergency that requires immediate action. What and how much you eat at this time can determine whether your blood sugar recovers effectively or shoots up into hyperglycemia. The ’15-15 rule’ is the most standard and effective first-aid method for hypoglycemia used worldwide.
2. What is the ’15-15 Rule’?
This rule consists of two ’15s’.
– The First 15: Consume ’15 grams of simple carbohydrates.’ Simple carbs are sugars that can be absorbed most quickly by the body to raise blood sugar rapidly.
– Examples: Half a cup (4 oz) of juice, 3-4 hard candies, a tablespoon of sugar or honey.
– The Second 15: After consuming the 15g of simple carbs, wait ’15 minutes’ and then check your blood sugar again.
3. Why Not Chocolate or Ice Cream?
Chocolate and ice cream contain a lot of ‘fat’ in addition to sugar. The fat content actually slows down the absorption of sugar in the stomach, making them unsuitable for rapidly raising blood sugar in an emergency. The key to treating hypoglycemia is ‘fast absorption,’ so you must choose fat-free simple carbs.
4. Action After 15 Minutes
If the blood sugar checked after 15 minutes is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the 15-15 rule once more. Once the blood sugar returns to the normal range, it is good to have an additional small snack containing complex carbohydrates and protein (e.g., crackers and cheese, a cup of milk) to prevent it from dropping again.
Summary: In a hypoglycemic emergency, it is crucial to remember the ’15-15 rule’ and respond quickly and effectively by consuming 15 grams of fat-free simple carbohydrates.
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