4 ounces of juice
1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or maple syrup
6-7 hard candies
3 glucose tablets (chewable sugar tablets)
Young children usually require fewer carbohydrates, so ask their doctor how much they need.22
Call 911 if your blood sugar is below 55 mg/dL, and use an injectable glucagon (an emergency medication) at home if you have a kit.22
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal blood sugar level immediately after eating?
After eating, your blood sugar levels should ideally range from 140 to 180 mg/dL. They may elevate beyond this range due to various factors, including your age and the type of food or beverages you've consumed.24
How long after eating does blood sugar return to normal?
Your blood sugar should return to normal within two hours after eating (known as postprandial). For adults without diabetes, your blood sugar levels should be between 90-140 within two hours after eating. For diabetes with diabetes, under 180 within two hours after eating is ideal.25
What is a dangerous blood sugar level?
A blood sugar reading of 300 mg/dL or higher can be dangerous. Those who have more than one 300 mg/dL reading in a row should seek immediate medical attention.26
Does coffee raise blood sugar?
In the short term, coffee (namely, the caffeine in coffee) may slightly raise your blood sugar. However, coffee may have favorable effects on your blood sugar levels in the long term. That said, more research is needed to determine exactly how coffee and caffeine affect blood sugar.27
Reis CEG, Dórea JG, da Costa THM. Effects of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism: A systematic review of clinical trials. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018;9(3):184-191. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.001
