The 15/15 Rule for Low Blood Sugar

🔻Hypoglycemia is a blood sugar level under 70 mg/dL. The only way to know if you’re experiencing low blood sugar is to test. If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you still want to confirm any reported lows from your device with a fingerstick.

🔻Symptoms of hypoglycemia include feeling shaky, anxious, sweaty; having the chills; becoming irritable or confused; experiencing a rapid heartbeat; feeling dizziness, hunger, or nausea; feeling sleepy or weak; or having a headache or blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to test your blood sugar and then follow the 15-15 rule if it’s under 70 mg/dL.

The 15-15 rule goes like this:

✅Take in 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as any one of the following: 4 oz juice, 4 oz regular soda, 1 glucose gel, 4 glucose tabs, or 1 Tbsp of sugar or honey. (Don’t use mixed foods containing protein, fat or fiber here—they take longer to digest and thus will be a slower means of raising blood sugar. No candy bars or ice cream when you need to get your blood sugar up in a hurry!)

✅Wait 15 minutes and then re-test. If blood sugar is still under 70, repeat with another 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. If it’s over 70, proceed with the meal or snack you’re due for.

🔻Hypoglycemia happens more often in individuals using insulin or insulin secretagogues. In addition, hypoglycemia may occur in those changing their activity level, as the glucose-lowering effects of exercise can last up to forty-eight hours following the activity. For this reason, if possible, monitor a bit more frequently until you better understand how different types and amounts of activity affect your own blood sugar.

🔻Having frequent lows? Talk to your healthcare team or consult a registered dietitian to review your intake.