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What does the '15-15 rule' for treating a low tell you to do?

Have 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, then recheck in 15 minutes.

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  1. Eat 15 snacks over 15 hours
  2. Exercise 15 minutes, rest 15 minutes
  3. Have 15 grams of fast carbs, recheck in 15 minutes ✔

Why: At 70 mg/dL or below, have 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, like glucose tablets or half a cup of juice, then recheck in 15 minutes. Still low? Repeat until you're back in range.

Huh, didn't know that: Young children often need less than 15 grams to treat a low, and their care team sets the amount.

The dad joke
Why did the orange stop rolling down the hill? It ran out of juice.
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References

Answer: Have 15 grams of fast carbs, recheck in 15 minutes. At 70 mg/dL or below, have 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, like glucose tablets or half a cup of juice, then recheck in 15 minutes. Still low? Repeat until you're back in range.

  1. ADA, Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Hypoglycemia diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/hypoglycemia-low-blood-glucose/symptoms-treatment
    Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (carbs) to raise your blood glucose. Wait 15 minutes, then recheck your blood glucose again.
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. CDC, Treatment of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/treatment-low-blood-sugar-hypoglycemia.html
    Have 15 grams of carbs, then wait 15 minutes.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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