Glucose Gel: HSA Eligibility

What is glucose gel?

Glucose gel is one of many hypoglycemic management products used by diabetics to regulate their blood sugar levels and quickly boost them if they are allowed to dip to dangerously low levels. Glucose gel typically is made with a combination of dextrose and water along with small amounts of other compounds, and is usually carried by diabetics who require the ability to respond quickly in an emergency. The American Diabetic Association (ADA) advises that individuals who are at risk of hypoglycemia should carry 15 grams of glucose with them at all times to treat sudden reactions.

How does glucose gel work?

Glucose gel is invaluable for individuals who suffer from hypoglycemia, a condition where the body's blood sugar levels (glucose) reach extremely low levels. While there are a variety of rare conditions that can bring about hypoglycemia, diabetics must closely monitor their blood sugar levels with a blood glucose meter keep them stable. A healthy blood sugar range is 70 to 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and dipping below this level can lead to symptoms including shaking, sweating, blurred vision and loss of consciousness.

When a hypoglycemic event arises, a serving of glucose gel is among the highly recommended methods of quickly raising an individual's blood sugar levels. Glucose gel is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to raise blood glucose levels into a healthy range, and diabetics can also utilize hard candy, fruit juice, sugar, jelly, honey or glucose tablets to quickly raise their blood sugar if they are allowed to reach dangerous levels (Drugs.com).