5 Quick and Effective Products to Raise Low Blood Sugar

In these moments, it’s crucial to treat the low with something that will raise your blood sugar quickly! (Spoiler alert: you might be using foods that digest slowly!) 

Here are some of the fastest ways to raise low blood sugar — and why the food you choose to treat hypoglycemia does matter.

What’s the Difference Between Fructose and Dextrose?

Fructose (fruit sugar) and dextrose (a form of glucose) are both simple sugars, but your body digests them differently. Dextrose enters the bloodstream quickly and raises blood sugar fast because it is chemically identical to glucose, the sugar in your blood. Other types of sugar have to be broken down before they reach your bloodstream. 

This rapid-digestion speed is exactly what you need during hypoglycemia.

Fructose, on the other hand, has to be metabolized by the liver first, which delays its impact on blood sugar levels. That’s why foods made with dextrose are usually more effective in treating lows than foods made primarily with fructose.

Some people find that a combination of both can provide a slightly longer-lasting blood sugar bump. For urgent lows, products containing dextrose are your best bet.

Glucose Tablets: A Tried-and-True Classic

Glucose tablets are a go-to option recommended by most diabetes care teams. Made with pure dextrose, these tablets are designed to raise blood sugar fast — typically within 10 to 15 minutes. 

They come in convenient packaging and specific carb counts, which makes it easy to measure exactly how much glucose you’re consuming. Many people prefer them for their reliability, even though the chalky texture isn’t always a crowd favorite.

They're also a great option to keep in several places — your car, bag, gym locker — so you're never unprepared for a low. Most importantly, they won’t melt or rot!

Elovate15: The Dextrose Powder That Tastes Amazing

If you haven’t heard of Elovate15 yet, it’s time to check it out. This glucose powder was created specifically to raise blood sugar quickly and safely. And it tastes so good! Seriously, delicious.

Each serving contains 15 grams of fast-acting glucose — and comes in a single-serving packet that dissolves on your tongue or mixes into a small amount of water.

What makes Elovate15 stand out is that it’s formulated with dextrose (glucose), not fructose, which means it gets to work faster. It’s also shelf-stable and easy to carry — ideal for sports, travel, or daily life. Some people find the powder easier to digest than tablets or gels, especially during more intense lows.

The flavor is wow. It doesn’t have the chalky texture of glucose tabs. It’s actually really enjoyable to consume ‘cause it tastes so good.

Elovate15 is a personal favorite of mine. Even though I don’t have T1D, I use it on hikes for fuel and as an endurance runner. It’s convenient, reliable, and fast-acting — and honestly, the taste is amazing. 

Candy (But Not Just Any Candy): Dextrose for the Win

While many people reach for candy during a low, it’s important to choose the right type. Hard candies like Smarties and Sweet Tarts contain dextrose — the fastest form of sugar to treat lows. These candies can be a good alternative to traditional glucose products when you're on the go or want something that feels more like a treat.

But not all candies are ideal. Chocolate, for instance, contains fat which slows digestion — so it won’t help much in an urgent low. Chewy candies with high fat or fiber content can also delay the glucose absorption process. And what about all that high fructose corn syrup? Nope. That stuff has to be processed by your liver first, delaying the impact on your actual blood sugar level.

When choosing a candy, look at the ingredients and try to opt for ones that list dextrose or glucose syrup high on the list. These work faster than fructose-heavy candies.

Candies That Contain Dextrose

• Smarties
• Sweet Tarts
• Pixy Stix
• Fun Dip (the white dipping stick is primarily dextrose)
• Nerds
• Bottle Caps
• Spree
• Runts
• Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip powder
• Lemonheads (some varieties)
• Airheads (some versions contain dextrose as the first ingredient)
• Now and Later (some varieties)

These candies list dextrose (or glucose) as a primary ingredient — which is ideal because dextrose is a fast-absorbing form of glucose that raises blood sugar quickly.

Fast-Acting Glucose Gels: Smooth, Easy, Effective

Glucose gels are another smart option, especially for people who have trouble swallowing tablets or prefer something with a smoother texture. These gels often come in small pouches or tubes, making them easy to carry.

Each packet typically delivers around 15 grams of glucose, which you squeeze directly into the mouth and swallow quickly – or give to someone else who is struggling to chew during their low. 

Glucose gels are also a great choice during sports or physical activity when chewing may not be convenient. They're also useful for anyone who struggles with nausea during low blood sugar — the texture is easier to manage than tablets or thick liquids.

Other Helpful Additions

While these five options are excellent, there are a few other tools and strategies that can help support your low blood sugar management:

• Keep a log of how each treatment option works for you — everyone responds differently
• Carry a variety of options — tablets, juice, Elovate15, or glucose gels — so you’re prepared for any situation
• Create a low treatment kit for your car, home, and work so you’re never caught unprepared (but keep temperature changes in mind)
• Learn how to avoid over-treating lows with these careful tips: Stop Overeating During Low Blood Sugar

Don’t Forget the 15-15 Rule

The Mayo Clinic recommends following the 15-15 rule when treating low blood sugar. This rule means consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and waiting 15 minutes before rechecking your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is still low after 15 minutes, treat again carefully with 15 grams of carbohydrates. 

Examples of 15 grams of carbs include:

• 3-4 glucose tablets
• 1 small tube of glucose gel
• 1 Elovate15 packet
• 4 oz of juice
• 1 small roll of Smarties

This rule helps you treat lows without overtreating and causing a rebound high.

Final Thoughts

The next time your blood sugar starts to dip, having the right treatment on hand can make all the difference. Whether you prefer glucose tablets, Elovate15, candies with dextrose, or glucose gels, the goal is the same: using fast, reliable, and safe carbs to get quick relief from a low.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and remember to recheck your blood sugar 15 minutes after treating a low.