What is the recommended oral or buccal glucose dose for hypoglycemia?

• A. 60-80 g
• B. 12-25 g
• C. 5-8 g
• D. 30-50 g

Answer: (B)

Giving a rapid-acting carbohydrate to a conscious patient with hypoglycemia is the key idea. The recommended oral or buccal glucose dose falls in a moderate range, about 12–25 g, because it provides enough carbohydrate quickly to raise blood glucose promptly without risking a large overshoot. In practice, this aligns with common options like glucose tablets (roughly 4 g each, three to five tablets) or a tube of glucose gel (about 15 g). After administration, recheck the blood glucose in about 15 minutes and repeat the dose if still below target, following your protocol.

If the patient cannot swallow or is unconscious, oral glucose should not be given; instead, follow local protocol for parenteral glucose or glucagon and summon advanced care.