In an athlete with Type I diabetes who feels lightheaded, what is BEST to give to prevent a diabetic shock?

In an athlete with Type I diabetes who feels lightheaded, what is BEST to give to prevent a diabetic shock?

• A. Water
• B. Saltine crackers
• C. Apple juice
• D. Protein shake

Answer: (C)

When someone with Type I diabetes feels lightheaded, treat it as hypoglycemia and aim to raise blood glucose quickly with a fast-acting sugar. Apple juice is ideal because it delivers simple sugars in liquid form that are rapidly absorbed from the gut, producing a quick rise in blood glucose and relief of symptoms. Water won’t raise glucose at all. Saltine crackers provide carbohydrates but are solid and take longer to digest, so they’re slower to impact blood sugar. A protein shake contains fat and protein that slow gastric emptying and glucose absorption, delaying the needed rise in blood sugar. So, apple juice is the best option to rapidly correct the low blood glucose and help prevent a diabetic emergency. After giving it, check blood glucose in about 15 minutes and repeat if still low.

When someone with Type I diabetes feels lightheaded, treat it as hypoglycemia and aim to raise blood glucose quickly with a fast-acting sugar. Apple juice is ideal because it delivers simple sugars in liquid form that are rapidly absorbed from the gut, producing a quick rise in blood glucose and relief of symptoms. Water won’t raise glucose at all. Saltine crackers provide carbohydrates but are solid and take longer to digest, so they’re slower to impact blood sugar. A protein shake contains fat and protein that slow gastric emptying and glucose absorption, delaying the needed rise in blood sugar. So, apple juice is the best option to rapidly correct the low blood glucose and help prevent a diabetic emergency. After giving it, check blood glucose in about 15 minutes and repeat if still low.