Does your diabetes health care provider prescribe you glucose tablets or glucose gel?

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- 4 hours, 3 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS likes your comment at
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  Only "illness" that makes it really difficult to control my blood sugar is getting steroid injections into my cervical spine or fingers. I leave my basal rate on my pump at 250% and need much higher bolus doses and many "extra" doses if my blood sugar remains really high. I tell the MD's that it turns my insulin into tap water and try to avoid it, experience with having gotten these injections over the past few years has helped, but having blood sugars of 400-500 despite much higher basal and bolus dosing is so frustrating!
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 10 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
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- 5 hours, 10 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
- 5 hours, 10 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
- 5 hours, 10 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
Clear All

Does your diabetes health care provider prescribe you glucose tablets or glucose gel?

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Samantha Robinson

25 Comments

Wanacure

She wrote me an RX for an inhaled substance, but I prefer to use just cheap effective sugar cubes. Two to three sugar cubes (8 to 12 grams sugar) is almost always effective in minutes. And won’t result in boomerang highs hours later like candy bars or ice cream, etc.

1

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Molly Jones

I buy smarties, but finally found the efficient way to make my own small sugar tablets. (I was trying to find something I could swallow while wearing Invisalign braces at night)

Just increase the powdered sugar on the website below as much as possible without the need for the coloring or lemon unless it is desired. Sugar and water are much less expensive than candy or glucose tablets.

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/placebo-pills

1

9 months ago Log in to Reply
1. Sherolyn Newell
  
  Great idea. Never thought of that.
  
  9 months ago Log in to Reply
karolinamalecki7@gmail.com

I answered yes because I asked for it and they did- anything to help hit that deductible. However, I also use gummy worms and fruit snacks and other low snacks not just the tabs prescribed!

1

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Mark Schweim

Why waste money on the glucose treatments in the pharmacy when Smarties Candy rolls are made of the same exact ingredients but cost less than 1/4 as much as the least expensive of the hypoglycemia treatments available in the pharmacy???

1

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Lawrence S.

I had no idea that glucose tablets or gel could be bought with a prescription. I’ve always purchased my own glucose tablets, but almost never used them. I just throw them out every few years and buy new ones. I usually treat my low bg’s with honey or juice (orange, pineapple, apple, or any fruit). I also carry a snack bag with me everywhere I go, and eat a variety of things, dried ginger root, granola bars, rice cakes, Tootsie Pops, etc.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Patricia Dalrymple

Agree – never knew I could. I actually prefer glucose tablets over eating other things because I feel I can control myself better not to overeat. I am fortunate to be fiscally comfortable and would not burden the system in this way because as shown in comments, we all have our preferences. However, anyone else should get whatever they need however they can economically.

2

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Jane Cerullo

Wow didn’t even know this was a thing. I buy glucose tabs and gummies. Out of pocket

1

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Vivian Moon

I buy mine OTC but very occasionally. Not my favorite low treatment at all!

1

9 months ago Log in to Reply
RegMunro

I use fruit juice from a box and straw. I’m still not good at estimating how many sucks I need, and often overdo it

9 months ago Log in to Reply
1. Sherolyn Newell
  
  I have some 4 ounce glasses I use for when I go the liquid glucose route. I found some local sodas that come in 12-ounce glass bottles with screw on caps. They keep the fizz for about a week, so I can pour out a few ounces and save for the next time.
  
  9 months ago Log in to Reply
Mike Oberg

I use “Skittles” candy, as per my endocrinologist, they work just as effectively, are easy to find, and are inexpensive.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Pauline M Reynolds

Always used glucose tablets OTC until the loss of most of my molars has me using apple juice boxes, which work as well.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Antsy

Huh. I never knew this was an item I didn’t have to pay fully out-of-pocket for. Will have to look into it; maybe I’d be able to get the lemon ones I used to buy, instead of the orange or truly terrible “raspberry” flavors.

2

9 months ago Log in to Reply
1. Sherolyn Newell
  
  I buy mine at CVS. Grape or orange, both taste good to me. I’ve never seen lemon.
  
  9 months ago Log in to Reply
Cheryl Weaver

Don’t use it. I use juice or soda.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
M C

They’ve never been prescribed, even when I could tolerate them. I have found, in serious situations, when my bg is dangerously low – they just make me even more nauseated if I try to take it…. So, now, I just carry candy with me at all times. But I have also found a cold drink (Coke, OJ, etc) is much more tolerated than the glucose tabs/gel.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Marsha Miller

My Dr. prescribes me glucagon. But most recently she prescribed me the inhalable type.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Bob Jackson

No, I get glucose tablets from Walmart.

1

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Conniekaycox

Have a prescription, but buy them otc as it’s less expensive.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Eve Rabbiner

My Medicare advantage plan includes $40. worth of OTC drugs each quarter. Glucose tablets one of the items offered.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Patricia Kilwein

My doc prescribed the nasal spray for me. A just in case. I carry a small pack of skittles with me.

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Linda Pease

I don’t like them and I have discovered I won’t take them or anything I don’t like when low but with the tslim I have had only one low where it would be used and they have me on which I was talking at because of my body’s reaction to it fortunately the gal helping me knows me well and was able to get me to take a swallow of it just enough to bring me out of the free fall I was in where we did a bunch and nothing was helping hope to never have that happen again

9 months ago Log in to Reply
Cheryl Seibert

No. I quit using glucose tablets years ago, they are too chalky and do not transport well. Never used the gel either. I use OTC Welch’s fruit gummies (about 2g/gummy) and they work quicker than anything else I have tried. They don’t melt, transport well, melt in my mouth if I’m really low and at 2g/gummy they are perfect for taking just enough to correct the low and not overcorrect.

8 months ago Log in to Reply
Leona Hanson

The insurance doesn’t pay for glucose tabs or alcohol swabs.they probably figure that they pay for 3000 dollars on everything else you can afford to buy glucose tabs and alcohol swabs

8 months ago Log in to Reply