How should an EMR treat a patient with hypoglycemia?

In the management of a patient with hypoglycemia, administering glucose or sugary foods if the patient is conscious and able to swallow is the most effective treatment. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, leading to symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, sweating, and palpitations. Providing fast-acting sugar, like glucose tablets, candy, fruit juice, or soda, rapidly increases blood sugar levels and alleviates the patient’s symptoms.

Patients must be conscious and able to swallow to safely receive oral glucose, as this avoids the risk of choking or aspiration. This method is preferred as it delivers sugar quickly into the bloodstream, allowing for swift recovery from hypoglycemic symptoms.

Administering insulin is inappropriate in this scenario since the patient is already experiencing low blood sugar, and insulin would further lower their blood glucose levels. Encouraging fasting is counterproductive, as it would exacerbate their condition. Simply providing water does not address the low blood sugar issue, as it does not contain any carbohydrates to elevate blood glucose levels. Thus, offering glucose or sugary foods when a patient is conscious is the correct and most effective treatment for hypoglycemia.