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Substitutes for sugar tablets for diabetics

Let's compile a list of substitutes for sugar tablets for those who need them.

  1. Skittles
    Pros: lightweight and available at lots of places. Relatively long shelf life.
    Cons: not individually packaged.

  2. Sugus like, store brand candies
    Pros: lightweight, don't melt. Individually packaged. Cheap if purchased at the right places. I bought a bag of 30 at a supermarket in Portugal for less than 2 euros.
    Cons: prices vary. For example, a similar bag costs 6CHF in Zurich.

  3. Chocolate bars
    Pros: tasty not just as a glucose booster.
    Neutral: packaging varies
    Cons: most are of larger sizes. Melts easily.

  4. Granola bars
    Pros: easily available everywhere. Don't melt much. Individually packaged.
    Cons: usually larger in size. Contents vary. Lower glycemic.

Posted by
5035 posts

Anything you can get your hands on that is high in simple carbs and low in fat or protein, which could slow glucose absorption. Non diet soda, orange juice. A piece of fruit. Of course a diabetic with any history of hypoglycemia should never be without at least a few glucose tablets.