Glucose Foods

Glucose Foods at Walgreens

When you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar is extremely important. Keeping your blood sugar under good control may help lower your risk for diabetic health complications. If you use insulin to treat your diabetes, it's also important to keep your blood sugar from dropping too low. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a dangerous condition that can sometimes be fatal. Fortunately, there are products available that help with blood sugar control and may lower your risk for hypoglycemia.

Better Blood Sugar Control

Blood sugar control is more challenging when you eat rapidly-absorbed carbohydrates like sugary drinks, desserts, foods made with white flour, potatoes and snacks with added sugar. When consumed, these foods can cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar. This makes it difficult to control hunger. Diabetic shakes made with slowly-absorbed carbohydrates may minimize blood sugar spikes, control hunger and give you a steady supply of energy to help you through your busy day.

Nutritional diabetic shakes are available in a variety of flavors in ready-to-drink bottles you simply chill and enjoy. They're also available in powder form. Mix the powder with water, milk or other favorite beverages - even coffee - to supply your body with protein and sustained energy. It's a smart way to satisfy your hunger and may even be helpful for weight loss.

Snacks for Diabetics

When you want more than a beverage, skip the vending machine and reach for diabetic snack bars with slowly-absorbed carbohydrates. Diabetic snack bars offer the satisfaction of a candy bar while minimizing blood sugar spikes. A variety of bars and crunchy snacks are available that have minimal impact on blood sugar. They're a guilt-free way to enjoy a snack.

Treating Low Blood Sugar

If you're diabetic, especially if you take insulin, it's important to know when your blood sugar is too low. You may feel shaky, lightheaded, dizzy, nauseated, weak, confused, unsteady, or have blurred vision. Low blood sugar needs to be treated right away so more serious complications don't occur. Water-free glucose sticks are a quick way to raise your blood sugar when it drops too low. Just tear one open and pour the content in your mouth. They're enriched with vitamin C as well.

Other Options

Also available are special liquids made with glucose to raise your blood sugar quickly when needed. They come in a variety of flavors. If you prefer a tablet, glucose tablets in fruity flavors can help get your blood sugar back on track fast. Glucose tablets are a convenient carry-along option. They dissolve quickly and are easy-to-swallow. For a natural approach, choose fast acting glucose tablets with no added dyes or colors. They only contain glucose and natural flavors.

Liquids and tablets aren't the only way to get a shot of glucose when you need it. Glucose gels come in yummy flavors like tropical. They help raise your blood sugar level quickly. Just insert the tube into your mouth and squeeze. Carry some along when you're away from home.

Cautions

Diabetic aids are not a replacement for medical care. See your doctor regularly and follow their guidelines for keeping your blood sugar under control.

This summary is intended for general informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should read product labels. In addition, if you are taking medications, herbs, or other supplements you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medication as they may interact with other medications, herbs, and nutritional products. If you have a medical condition, including if you are pregnant or nursing, you should speak to your physician before taking these products. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.