Which beverage is appropriate to raise blood glucose quickly in a conscious diabetic patient?

• A. Orange juice with added sugar
• B. Water
• C. Milk
• D. Coffee

Answer: (A)

When a conscious diabetic patient is hypoglycemic, the goal is to deliver a rapid-acting carbohydrate that can be absorbed quickly to raise blood glucose. Orange juice with added sugar fits this well because it provides a concentrated dose of simple sugars in liquid form, allowing fast absorption and a prompt rise in glucose. Water has no sugars, so it won’t raise blood glucose. Milk contains lactose plus fat and protein, which slows absorption and delays the glucose increase. Coffee offers caffeine and little to no carbohydrate, so it won’t reliably raise glucose quickly. In practice, give about 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate (roughly 4 ounces of juice) and recheck after 15 minutes, repeating if needed. If the patient cannot swallow or remains unresponsive, seek immediate help and follow protocols for alternate treatment like glucose gel or glucagon.