Glucose gel is a pre-measured dose of concentrated dextrose solution that serves as a rapid-acting carbohydrate source. This simple sugar, dextrose, is the body’s preferred energy source and requires minimal digestion, allowing for fast absorption into the bloodstream. The gel is used as a rescue treatment for individuals, typically those with diabetes, experiencing mild to moderate hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Its precise formulation acts faster than many food-based carbohydrate options.
Recognizing the Need for Glucose Gel
The decision to administer glucose gel relies on recognizing the physical symptoms of hypoglycemia and confirming a low blood glucose reading. Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level falling below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), which requires immediate treatment. This low level produces a range of physical and cognitive symptoms as the brain is deprived of its primary fuel source.
Common indicators include feeling shaky, sweating, a rapid heart rate, or sudden anxiety. Cognitive symptoms may also manifest, such as dizziness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or an unusual change in mood. If these symptoms occur, checking the blood sugar level with a meter is the necessary first step. If the blood glucose is confirmed below 70 mg/dL, or if the individual is symptomatic and a meter is unavailable, fast-acting carbohydrate like glucose gel should be administered.
Proper Techniques for Administration
Effective administration relies on absorption through the oral mucosa (the lining of the mouth), rather than digestion in the stomach. Before application, the individual must be conscious and fully capable of swallowing to prevent aspiration. Glucose gel is typically packaged in small, single-dose tubes containing a pre-measured amount, often 15 grams of carbohydrate, aligning with standard treatment guidelines.
To administer, twist off the cap and squeeze the gel slowly onto the inside of the person’s cheek (the buccal area) or under the tongue. The gel should be gently spread or massaged against the cheek lining to maximize contact with the mucosal surface for optimal absorption. This method ensures the dextrose rapidly enters the bloodstream, bypassing the slower absorption process of the digestive tract.
Use the entire contents of the single-dose package, generally providing the recommended 15 grams of glucose, unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider. If using larger, multi-dose tubes, carefully follow the package directions to squeeze out the correct portion size. The gel should not be squeezed directly down the throat, as the goal is quick absorption into the circulation.
Critical Safety and Follow-Up Steps
Never administer glucose gel to an unconscious individual or one unable to safely swallow, due to the risk of aspiration or choking. If the individual is unconscious or having a seizure, an emergency glucagon injection or nasal spray should be administered. Emergency medical services should be called immediately in these severe situations. The glucose gel is designed for use only in mild to moderate low blood sugar episodes where the person is alert and cooperative.
After the initial dose, a waiting period of 15 minutes is necessary to allow the sugar to fully absorb and take effect. Following this time, the blood glucose level must be rechecked to confirm that levels have risen above the 70 mg/dL threshold. If the blood sugar remains low, a second 15-gram dose of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as another tube of glucose gel, should be given. The blood sugar must be rechecked again after another 15 minutes.
Once the blood glucose level is stabilized and symptoms have improved, consume a small snack containing complex carbohydrates and protein. This combination, such as crackers with cheese or a half-sandwich, provides a slower, sustained release of glucose to prevent a rapid return to hypoglycemia. If symptoms do not resolve, or the blood sugar level does not respond after the second dose of gel, seek immediate medical assistance.