February 10, 2008

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:

Foods to help raise blood sugar
FoodAmount
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

 
AuthorCaroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
EditorSusan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate EditorPat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical ReviewerRuth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Specialist Medical ReviewerRhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator
Last UpdatedFebruary 10, 2008