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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Quick-Sugar Foods

Quick-Sugar Foods

Overview

If you are at risk for low blood sugar levels because of diabetes or some other health condition, you need to keep some type of quick-sugar food with you at all times. These foods can quickly raise your blood sugar level. Eating quick-sugar food raises your blood sugar in 10 to 15 minutes.

Choose fast-acting carbohydrates.
  • Check nutrition labels for carbohydrate content. Glucose or sucrose is the best choice.
  • Liquids will raise your blood sugar faster than solid foods.
  • Many adults use 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise blood sugar.
  • Children usually need less than 15 grams of carbohydrate. For example, a child under 5 years old might only need 5 grams, and a child 5 to 10 years old might only need 10 grams. Every child is different. Check with your doctor or diabetes educator for the amount that is right for your child's current age and weight.
Do not use any food that contains fat or protein.

Fat and protein can slow how quickly your body absorbs carbohydrates. For example, regular cake frosting is made with both sugar and fat. It's not a good choice as a quick-sugar food. When in doubt, ask your doctor or diabetes educator.

Examples of quick-sugar foods

These quick-sugar foods will help raise your blood sugar in an emergency, because they are made from almost all carbohydrates. This table is just a guide.

Foods that help raise blood sugar

Food

Amount

Glucose tablets

3 to 4 tablets

Table sugar

1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons)

Honey

1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons)

Fruit juice or regular (not diet) soda pop

½ to ¾ cup (4 to 6 ounces)

Hard candy

6 Life Savers

Current as of: September 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes in Children: Treating Low Blood Sugar Diabetes-Related High and Low Blood Sugar Levels Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in People Without Diabetes

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