Is drinking sugar water effective for patients with hypoglycemia?

Mar 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

, often experiences hypoglycemia, which causes dizziness and palpitations when it occurs. I heard from someone that drinking sugared water helps. Is that really true? Can drinking sugared water quickly relieve symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

In general, drinking sugared water can be effective for patients with hypoglycemia.

Sugared water is rich in sucrose, which can be rapidly absorbed and utilized by the body, thereby increasing blood glucose levels and improving symptoms caused by hypoglycemia such as palpitations, pallor, and rapid breathing. Therefore, drinking sugared water is an effective emergency measure during a hypoglycemic episode. However, the sugar in sugared water is quickly absorbed, which may cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels followed by a sharp decline, leading to blood glucose fluctuations. Thus, after using sugared water in an emergency situation, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to avoid long-term or recurrent hypoglycemia causing harm to the body.

Additionally, hypoglycemia may be caused by various factors such as insulinoma or drug overdose, and simple dietary adjustments may not resolve the issue. If hypoglycemia occurs frequently, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital to complete relevant examinations for determining the underlying cause and to undergo targeted treatment under the guidance of a physician.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular meals, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep, which can also help prevent hypoglycemia.