What is the recommended initial treatment for suspected hypoglycemia in a conscious patient?

• A. chewable glucose
• B. IV dextrose
• C. IM glucagon
• D. oxygen

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to rapidly raise blood glucose in a conscious patient who can swallow. When someone is alert and able to protect their airway, fast-acting oral glucose is the quickest and simplest way to treat suspected hypoglycemia. Chewable glucose provides rapid absorption from the mouth and GI tract, so giving about 15–20 grams of glucose as tablets or gel and then rechecking the level after about 15 minutes is the standard first step. If the patient cannot swallow or does not regain consciousness, more invasive options like intravenous dextrose or intramuscular glucagon are used. Oxygen doesn’t address the underlying hypoglycemia and is only helpful if there’s a separate issue with oxygenation.