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If your blood sugar crashes, you want something that works fast and reliably. The best glucose tablets for diabetes are meant to do exactly that. Glucose tablets are small, chewable, and packed with pure glucose that skips digestion and goes right into your bloodstream to manage blood sugar levels.
Some of the best glucose tablets come from brands like TRUEplus, Elovate 15, and Glucose SOS. Gels, soft chews, and liquid shots are also available in addition to tablets, which may be helpful for people who have trouble chewing or prefer a different texture or flavor.
How To Choose The Best Glucose Tablets For Diabetes
Finding the best glucose tablets for diabetes is important for managing low blood sugar. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop around.
Taste and Texture Options
If you’re going to use these regularly, taste can be a big part of making sure you take them. Some people prefer crunchy tabs, while others like soft chewable options. Flavors such as orange, raspberry, or tropical fruit can make the experience more pleasant, especially when you’re already feeling hypoglycemic.
Convenient Packaging
Compact tubes or resealable packs are easier to carry in your pocket or bag without spilling. Some glucose products, like Elovate 15 SlimPaks, come in single-use packets, while others, like TRUEplus tabs, come in larger containers better for home use. Look for packaging that seals tight to keep out moisture and prevent crushed tablets.
Simple Ingredient Lists
Oftentimes, the best glucose tablets skip the fat, gluten, and caffeine. If you have allergies or food sensitivities, double-check the ingredients just in case. Avoid products with unnecessary artificial additives if you prefer a cleaner option.
Ease of Dosing
Each tablet typically contains a specific amount of glucose, which can make it easier to be precise. If you need to treat mild lows quickly, look for products that make dosing simple and consistent.
TRUEplus Glucose Tablets
TRUEplus glucose tablets give you a quick fix for low blood sugar. Each tablet contains 3.75 grams of fast-acting glucose, with most people needing about four tablets to hit the recommended 15 grams.
Key Features:
Fat-free, gluten-free, and sodium-free
Quick absorption for fast relief
Portable and easy to carry
No refrigeration needed
You can buy a big 50-count bottle for home, or grab a 10-count tube to keep in your bag or pocket. When you need them, just chew the right number of tablets. The tablets should be stored at room temperature and kept away from heat and moisture.
TRUEplus Glucose Tabs - Assorted Fruit 50 ct.
$ 7.71
$ 9.64
TRUEplus Glucose Tablets and Soft Tabs each contain 15 grams of pre-measured, fast-acting carbohydrates, and come in convenient sizes to fit individual needs. TRUEplus Glucose Tabs Features: Contains 15 grams of Fast-Acting Carbohydrates per Serving 4 tablets per serving Fat Free,… read more
TRUEplus Glucose Soft Tabs
TRUEplus Glucose Soft Tabs are a softer, chewier alternative to the classic glucose tablet. They’re easier to chew if you have trouble with the harder ones. Each soft tab packs 4 grams of fast-acting dextrose, so you get a quick sugar boost when you need it most.
Key Features:
Fat-free, gluten-free, and sodium-free formula
Easy-to-open 4-count pouches for convenient carrying
Softer texture than regular glucose tablets
Soft Tabs are especially useful for children, older adults, or anyone who has difficulty chewing harder tablets. They also make some of the best glucose tablets if you want something a little more palatable when your blood sugar dips.
TRUEplus Glucose Tablets - Kiwi Strawberry, Tray of 12 (48 ct.)
$ 17.64
$ 22.05
TRUEplus Glucose Tablets and Soft Tabs contain 16 grams of pre-measured, fast-acting carbohydrates per serving, and come in convenient sizes to fit individual needs. TRUEplus Glucose Tabs Features: Contains 16 grams of Fast-Acting Carbohydrates per Serving 4 tablets per serving Fat… read more
TRUEplus Glucose Gel
TRUEplus Glucose Gel is another option for those times when chewing is too difficult. Each pouch is a single-use packet with a tear-off top that gives you 15 grams of fast-acting carbs. Take the whole packet to get a full 15-gram dose.
Key Features:
15 g fast-acting carbohydrates per pouch
Fat-free and gluten-free formula
Compact size fits in pockets or bags
Available in fruit punch flavor
The texture’s thick, almost like frosting. If you can’t chew tablets, this can be a helpful workaround. Although some people say it can taste overly sweet, it works quickly. You’ll usually see your blood sugar climb within 10–15 minutes.
TRUEplus Glucose Gel - Fruit Punch 1.1oz
$ 3.08
$ 3.85
TRUEplus Glucose Gels contain 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates in a squeezable tube, perfect for emergency situations. TRUEplus Glucose Gel Features: Fast-Acting Carbohydrates Fat-free and Gluten-free Each pouch contains a single serving of 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates Travel size,… read more
TRUEplus Glucose Shot
TRUEplus Glucose Shot is a liquid option for low blood sugar. It comes in a ready-to-drink bottle that people with diabetes can use quickly during hypoglycemic events. The liquid form goes to work a little faster than tablets since there’s no chewing involved.
Key Features:
Liquid formula
16 g carbohydrates per bottle
Mixed berry flavor
Screw-top bottle design
Gluten-free formula
The screw-top bottle design makes opening easy even when experiencing shakiness or dizziness. This practical feature helps people get treatment faster when symptoms occur. Each bottle is a single dose that you can drink in one sitting for mild or moderate lows.
TRUEplus Glucose Shot - Mixed Berry
$ 4.62
$ 5.78
TRUEplus Glucose Shots contain 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates in a liquid drink, ideal for keeping at the bedside for unexpected nighttime lows. TRUEplus Glucose Shots Features: Fast-Acting Carbohydrates Fat-free and Gluten-free Easy-to-open bottle for ease-of-use Each bottle contains a… read more
Elovate 15 Glucose SlimPaks
Elovate 15 SlimPaks are packets that contain fast-dissolving powder with 15 grams of glucose per serving. You can eat the powder directly or mix it with cold water. One packet provides the same amount of glucose as four or five tablets.
Key Features:
Powder form
No artificial colors or preservatives
Slim packets that fit in pockets or purses
Waterproof packaging
The SlimPaks work well for people who dislike chalky tablets. They skip the unpleasant texture of traditional glucose products while giving the same fast-acting results. Each box contains six individual packets that are convenient to carry.
Elovate 15 Glucose SlimPaks - Cherry Flavor - 6 Pack
$ 9.67
$ 12.09
Elovate 15 glucose SlimPak is the most economical product for quickly elevating blood sugar levels. The Elovate 15 glucose powder works by quickly supplying your body with glucose. Elovate 15 is the perfect solution for avoiding high calorie fixes when… read more
Glucose SOS Rapid Glucose Recovery Packs
Glucose SOS powder packets may work faster than some of the best glucose tablets since they dissolve directly in the mouth. The powder formula absorbs quickly in the bloodstream to raise blood sugar levels within 15 minutes. Unlike glucose tablets that require chewing and time to dissolve, this product starts working immediately upon contact with saliva.
Key Features:
Instant dissolution
Portable slim packets that fit in wallets or small purses
Natural ingredients
The packets are waterproof and temperature-stable, making them practical for travel, exercise, or outdoor activities. They won't melt in heat or freeze in cold weather like candy or liquid glucose products.
Glucose SOS Rapid Glucose Recovery - Kiwi-Strawberry - 6/pack
$ 9.26
$ 11.58
Advocate Glucose SOS recovery packs provide 15 grams of 100% pure, natural glucose in an instant dissolving, great-tasting powder. Glucose SOS Features: 100% ALL NATURAL EASY TO TRANSPORT SLIMPACK, CONVENIENT TO USE, NO WATER OR PREP NEEDED. Glucose SOS Powder… read more
When To Use Glucose Products
Glucose tablets are used for treating low blood sugar, not as snacks. People with diabetes should use them when their blood sugar dips below what's safe. Most doctors say to reach for glucose products if your blood sugar falls under 70 mg/dL. Some might give you a different number, depending on your situation.
The warning signs of low blood sugar include:
Shaking
Confusion
Heavy sweating
Dizzy feelings
Trouble thinking
Blurry vision
Mood changes
Don't wait around if you feel low. Taking action quickly can prevent bigger problems down the road. Even a small delay can make symptoms worse, so it’s best to treat low blood sugar quickly and recheck levels after 15 minutes.
Other Tips for Glucose Products
Having glucose tablets tucked away somewhere doesn't help if you can't find them in an emergency. A little planning and preparation is key when handling glucose products..
Store tablets in a few different spots around the home, car, or office. That way, you're never scrambling if you need them.
Let family and close friends know where you keep your glucose tablets. They might need to step in if you're unable to help yourself.
Pair tablets with cooling packs if you travel with insulin or other supplies. Then you've got a full emergency kit, ready for anything.
Heat and humidity can damage glucose tablets over time. Keep them in cool, dry places, and avoid tossing them on a hot car dashboard.
Check expiration dates every month and swap out old ones. Expired tablets might not do much when you need them most.
Traveling takes extra prep when you have diabetes. Pack double the glucose tablets you think you'll need, just in case.
Knowing where your supplies are gives you one less thing to worry about. When your blood sugar drops, you’re able to fix it fast.
Bottom Line
Managing low blood sugar can be easy when you’re prepared. The best glucose tablets for diabetes are the ones that fit your lifestyle, whether they’re easy to carry or quick to use. Even if you prefer tablets, gels, or powders, keeping a few on hand at all times can help you stay safe and in control of your blood sugar wherever you go.
Sources:
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar), Cleveland Clinic (2023)
Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia), American Diabetes Association (n.d.)
Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose), American Diabetes Association (n.d.)
Tips for Traveling With Diabetes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024)
FAQs
When should I use glucose tablets?
Glucose tablets should be used when your blood sugar drops below around 70 mg/dL, especially if you start feeling symptoms like shaking, sweating, confusion, or dizziness. They’re used for quick relief, not as snacks.
How fast do glucose tablets work?
Most glucose tablets start raising blood sugar within 10 to 15 minutes. Powders or gels, like Glucose SOS or TRUEplus Glucose Gel, can act even faster since they dissolve or absorb quickly.
How many glucose tablets should I take for low blood sugar?
Many people need around 15 grams of glucose, which equals about four TRUEplus tablets or one Elovate 15 SlimPak. Always check the product label and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
What’s the best type of glucose product to carry?
The best choice depends on your needs and preferences. Tablets are reliable and easy to store, gels work well if chewing is difficult, and powders like Glucose SOS dissolve instantly for fast results.
