Best Drinks to Treat Low Blood Sugar Quickly

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the American Diabetes Association, consuming 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates is the recommended first step to treat a hypoglycemic episode. Knowing what drinks are good for low blood sugar is crucial for responding swiftly and effectively when levels drop.

Quick Summary

Immediate treatment for low blood sugar involves consuming fast-acting carbs. Effective drinks include fruit juice and regular soda. The 15-15 rule guides treating and re-checking levels. Always keep a source of simple sugar on hand for hypoglycemia.

Key Points

Fast-Acting Carbohydrates are Key: During hypoglycemia, consume 15-20 grams of simple, fast-acting carbs for a quick blood sugar rise.
Liquids Absorb Quicker: Drinks like fruit juice and regular soda are absorbed faster than solid foods, making them ideal for an emergency.
Follow the '15-15 Rule': Treat with 15 grams of carbs, wait 15 minutes, and re-check your blood sugar until it is above 70 mg/dL.
Avoid Fat and Protein: During a low blood sugar event, avoid drinks with fat or protein (like chocolate milk) as they slow sugar absorption.
Keep an Emergency Supply Handy: Always carry a source of quick carbs, such as glucose tablets or juice, to treat unexpected episodes of hypoglycemia.
Follow Up with a Sustained Snack: After your blood sugar returns to normal, eat a balanced snack to prevent a subsequent drop.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a serious condition that can cause confusion, dizziness, and if left untreated, more severe health issues. When blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL, immediate action is necessary to raise them back to a safe range. Certain drinks provide the simple carbohydrates needed for a rapid blood glucose spike, which is essential during a hypoglycemic event.

Why Liquids Work Faster

When you need to raise your blood sugar quickly, liquids are often the best choice because they are absorbed into the bloodstream faster than solid food. Solid foods, especially those containing protein or fat, take longer to digest, slowing down the absorption of sugar. During an emergency, a liquid carbohydrate is the most efficient way to get glucose into your system.

The Top Drinks for Rapid Response

Fruit Juice: Four ounces (half a cup) of any type of fruit juice, such as orange or apple juice, provides approximately 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, making it an excellent option. Orange juice, in particular, is a popular choice.
Regular Soda: Half a can, or 4 to 6 ounces, of regular (non-diet) soda delivers about 15 grams of carbs. Diet sodas should be avoided as they do not contain the sugar needed to treat low blood sugar.
Glucose Gels and Shots: These pre-measured liquid carbohydrate doses are designed specifically for treating hypoglycemia. They are fast-acting, portable, and provide an accurate amount of glucose, making them a very reliable emergency option.
Milk: A glass of low-fat or fat-free milk contains carbohydrates and protein. While the protein and fat can slow absorption compared to pure juice, milk is still an effective and accessible option.

The "15-15 Rule"

The American Diabetes Association recommends following the "15-15 rule" when treating hypoglycemia.

Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbs: Choose one of the drinks listed above.
Wait 15 minutes: Give your body time to absorb the sugar.
Recheck your blood sugar: Test your blood glucose level.
Repeat if necessary: If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, have another 15 grams of carbs and recheck after 15 minutes. Continue until your level is back in a safe range.

What to Do After Your Blood Sugar Has Stabilized

Once your blood sugar is back to a normal range, it's important to prevent another dip. Having a small snack or a meal that includes both carbohydrates and protein can provide a more sustained release of energy. Examples include cheese and crackers, half a sandwich, or a meal if it's your scheduled time to eat. This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels over the next few hours.

Comparison of Drinks for Treating Low Blood Sugar


Drink	Fast-Acting Carbs (15g serving)	Speed of Absorption	Portability	Additional Benefits	Notes
Fruit Juice	4 oz (1/2 cup)	Fast	Fair	Contains vitamins and minerals	A popular and readily available option.
Regular Soda	4–6 oz (1/2 can)	Fast	Fair	None	Must be regular, not diet soda.
Glucose Gels/Shots	Pre-measured 15g dose	Very Fast	Excellent	Specifically designed for hypoglycemia	Very reliable and precise, unaffected by temperature.
Milk (Low-fat)	8 oz (1 cup)	Moderate	Poor	Contains protein and calcium	Protein and fat may slow absorption slightly compared to juice.
Honey/Sugar in Water	1 tbsp	Fast	Poor	Inexpensive, long shelf life	Needs to be measured and mixed.

Drinks to Avoid During a Hypoglycemic Episode

While some drinks contain sugar, they are not ideal for a quick blood sugar fix due to other components that slow down absorption:

Diet Soda: Contains artificial sweeteners, not real sugar.
Chocolate Milk: The fat and protein content slows down the release of sugar.
Energy Drinks: Often contain large amounts of caffeine, which can have negative side effects.
Alcohol: Can cause blood sugar to drop further, especially on an empty stomach.

Important Safety Considerations

For individuals with diabetes, it is crucial to always carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates. This preparation is a fundamental part of a hypoglycemia management plan. If you experience frequent low blood sugar episodes, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to review your diabetes management strategy. They may suggest adjustments to medication or diet to help prevent future occurrences. For comprehensive information on diabetes management, including diet and physical activity, consider exploring resources from the American Diabetes Association.

Conclusion

For anyone managing diabetes, knowing which drinks are good for low blood sugar is a vital part of emergency preparedness. The quickest and most effective options are simple liquid carbohydrates, such as fruit juice, regular soda, or a glucose shot. Following the 15-15 rule ensures that you treat the episode correctly and follow up with a balanced snack to prevent a second drop. Always have these items readily available and prioritize rapid, safe intervention when hypoglycemia occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best drinks for low blood sugar are those with simple, fast-acting carbohydrates, such as four ounces (half a cup) of fruit juice or half a can of regular (non-diet) soda.

A sugary drink can begin to raise blood sugar levels within minutes because the simple carbohydrates are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. You should recheck your blood sugar after 15 minutes to assess the effect.

No, you should not drink diet soda for low blood sugar because it contains artificial sweeteners and no real sugar. It will not effectively raise your blood glucose levels.

Low-fat or fat-free milk can be used, but it's not the fastest option. The protein and fat content can slow down the absorption of sugar compared to pure fruit juice.

After your blood sugar has stabilized, have a small snack or meal that contains a mix of carbohydrates and protein to prevent another drop in blood sugar levels.

Glucose shots are very effective and reliable as they are specifically designed for hypoglycemia with precise dosing. However, fruit juice is a common, readily available, and equally effective option for many people.

In a severe hypoglycemia emergency where someone is unable to swallow, a glucose gel can be administered by a caregiver, but medical assistance should be sought immediately. You should not force a drink on someone who is unconscious.