Can You Take Glucose Tablets for Energy? The Answers

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Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Tue Feb 14 2023)

Glucose tablets are extremely beneficial for diabetes patients. They’re able to bring patients quick relief from low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

While this can work well for diabetes patients, the question is, can you take glucose tablets for energy even for people who don’t have diabetes? Some may wonder if this is possible, whereas some wonder about the medical issues and other health concerns that would arise from taking glucose tablets for energy.

This article will provide a clearer understanding of whether you can take glucose tablets for energy, and whether or not it’s healthy, as well as what are the consequences.

But first, here’s the quick takeaway answer, then we’ll get into some of the details.

Can you take glucose tablets for energy? Yes, you can take glucose tablets for energy but it’s at your own risk. Glucose tablets come in a precise dose to spike up the blood sugar levels of diabetes patients. So, if a diabetes patient takes these tablets for energy it may increase the blood sugar levels way above their healthy level.

For clarification, glucose tablets are used by diabetes patients to get a quick spike in times of low blood sugar levels. Perhaps, the most interesting thing about this product is that it tastes similar to sweet tarts and is made mostly from sugar.

The combined properties of glucose tablets have made it an easy alternative to boost glucose levels for energy. So, even those without diabetes may take glucose tablets or other products high in glucose for energy. Those with diabetes may keep glucose tablets handy for during or after exercise to prevent low blood sugar.

Why Can You Take Glucose Tablets for Energy?

The human body uses glucose as an energy source. When a person consumes carbohydrates, the body turns it into glucose to be used for energy. A person with diabetes will require insulin therapy or other medication to be able to utilize carbohydrates for energy.

Many athletes, especially long-distance runners, will often have a high carbohydrate meal the day before their big event. This allows the body to store up glucose for energy. They will also carry glucose tablets or another fast-acting glucose source the day of the event to give them a quick source of energy.

Once glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas produces insulin to carry the glucose to the cells. The cells will then have the energy required to perform the function at hand. Therefore, glucose tablets can be a good source of energy.

A person with diabetes that is active in sports or other involved in any active hobbies, will often carry a glucose source. This may be glucose tablets or just some hard candy. They may require a fast-acting glucose source during high-intensity activities to either prevent or treat hypoglycemia.

Low blood sugar mostly occurs to diabetes patients but can sometimes happen to a person that doesn’t have diabetes. Blood sugar that is below 70 mg/dL can make a person feel sluggish and fatigued. So, glucose tablets can be used for energy in this case.

Generally, most candy will have a similar effect on the body as glucose tablets. However, many find the glucose tablets to be easy to carry, especially if you are on a run or performing some other activity. They come in a small tube-like container with the perfect number of tablets in each container. Tablets are not the only source either. There are glucose gels that are also easy to carry, but the taste and texture will differ greatly.

Health Effects of Taking Glucose Tablets For Energy

Sugar and salt are two things that are essential for good health. However, too much of either is bad, yet on the other hand, too few of these can be worse.

Too much of sugar is manageable by the body, as it can excrete the excess away. But when you get to the point of far more than the body can handle, this can then begin to cause serious health conditions.

When it comes to sugar, the human body can make sugar, and even the excess glucose produced by the body which is stored as fat can be converted back to glucose through a multi-step process.

This means that for those without diabetes, it’s perfectly possible to increase blood sugar and build up energy naturally without the help of glucose tablets.

The only difficulty many people find is that natural glucose forms like juices, candies, or other carbs take time to process glucose and boost energy. As such, it’s mostly for the instant spike in blood sugar levels and energy that many take glucose tablets.

Side Effects of Taking Glucose Tablets for Energy

Several side effects could arise because of the above. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that glucose tablets come with a standard and precise dose to suit diabetes patients.

A person without diabetes will not notice any side effects from taking glucose tablets for energy. This is because their pancreas is able to sense the glucose in the blood and produce insulin to carry the glucose to the cells to be used for energy.

However, those with diabetes that take too many glucose tablets may experience hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can give the following side effects.

• Passing out
• Confusion
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Rapid heartbeat
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision
• Fruity smelling breath
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting

Severe and prolonged hyperglycemia can lead to a coma and even death if not treated.

Most glucose tablets contain approximately 4 grams of carbs per tablet. To treat low blood sugar, most doctors suggest consuming 15 grams of carbs and checking blood sugar again after 15 minutes. Thus, 3-4 tablets is the recommended serving for a person with diabetes. You may need more grams of carbohydrates if you have insulin that is still working and if you are in the middle of a high-intensity activity.

Conclusion

We hope this has been useful in providing an understanding of if you can take glucose tablets for energy.

If you are having trouble affording your medication, then contact us. Prescription Hope works with pharmaceutical manufacturers to help you receive your medication at a set, affordable cost. Enroll with us to find out if you are eligible to receive your prescription medications for $60.00 a month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service for each medication.