Because you are at risk for low blood sugar levels, either because you have diabetes or some other health condition that can cause low blood sugar, you need to keep some type of food with you at all times that can quickly raise your blood sugar level. Eating quick-sugar food puts glucose into your bloodstream in about 5 minutes. Any quick-sugar food on this list will raise your blood sugar about 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Foods that will help raise your blood sugar includes:
| Food | Amount |
|---|---|
| Table sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Fruit juice or regular soda pop | ½ cup |
| Fat-free milk | 1 cup |
| Honey or corn syrup | 1 tablespoon |
| Jam | 2 tablespoons |
| Raisins | 2 tablespoons |
| Gum drops | 7 small |
| Life Savers candy | 8 pieces |
| Hard candy | 3 pieces |
| Glucose tablets | 3 tablets |
| Glucose gel | ½ tube |
Credits
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator |
| Last Updated | February 10, 2008 |
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