SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/diab-15-15-rule

What does the '15-15 rule' for treating a low tell you to do?

Have 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, then recheck in 15 minutes.

  1. Eat 15 snacks over 15 hours
  2. Exercise 15 minutes, rest 15 minutes
  3. Have 15 grams of fast carbs, recheck in 15 minutes ✔

Why: At 70 mg/dL or below, have 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, like glucose tablets or half a cup of juice, then recheck in 15 minutes. Still low? Repeat until you're back in range.

Huh, didn't know that: Young children often need less than 15 grams to treat a low, and their care team sets the amount.

The dad joke
Why did the orange stop rolling down the hill? It ran out of juice.
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Sources

  1. ADA, Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Hypoglycemia https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/hypoglycemia-low-blood-glucose/symptoms-treatment
  2. CDC, Treatment of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/treatment-low-blood-sugar-hypoglycemia.html

Test yourself in the game

Health BasicsFor many people with diabetes, a blood sugar below what number counts as low?Health BasicsWhich of these is a common sign of low blood sugar?Health BasicsWhich can be a sign of low blood sugar during sleep?

That's stuff everyone should know.