Rationale of the Week | Best treatment for Hypoglycemia with Gastroparesis
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on how to treat hypoglycemia while dealing with gastroparesis. 73% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question: JR has type 1 diabetes and was recently diagnosed with gastroparesis. JR is a runner and has not been able to exercise recently due to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and intestinal pain. They experience hypoglycemia about 3 times a week.
Based on this information, what is the best treatment for hypoglycemia?
Answer Choices:
- Glucose tabs or gels.
- Skittles or gummies.
- High carb, low fiber snack bar.
- Peanut butter crackers.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is correct. 73.02% chose this answer. “Glucose tabs or gels.” Great job! Since JR has gastroparesis with slowed gastric emptying and delayed absorption of nutrients, we need to provide a fast acting carb that can instantly raise blood sugar. Fast absorption of sugar from glucose tabs and gels begins in the mouth, to quickly raise blood sugar levels.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 3.72% of you chose this answer. “Skittles or gummies.” Since JR has gastroparesis with slowed gastric emptying and delayed absorption of nutrients, we need to provide a fast acting carb that can instantly raise blood sugar. Gummies and skittles are more challenging to chew and need to be broken down in the stomach, which would delay the blood sugar from increasing to a safe level. Another consideration is that the ability to chew can be impaired when someone is experiencing significant hypoglycemia. Glucose tabs and gel, are quickly absorbed and require minimal chewing and are the best choice.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 14.70% of respondents chose this. “High carb, low fiber snack bar.” Since JR has gastroparesis with slowed gastric emptying and delayed absorption of nutrients, we need to provide a fast acting carb that can instantly raise blood sugar. A snack bar, even though it is low fiber, is more challenging to chew and needs to be broken down in the stomach, which would delay the blood sugar from increasing to a safe level. Another consideration is that the ability to chew can be impaired when someone is experiencing significant hypoglycemia. Glucose tabs and gel, are quickly absorbed and require minimal chewing and are the best choice.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 8.56% chose this answer. “Peanut butter crackers.” Since JR has gastroparesis with slowed gastric emptying and delayed absorption of nutrients, we need to provide a fast acting carb that can instantly raise blood sugar. Peanut butter crackers are more challenging to chew and need to be broken down in the stomach, which would delay the blood sugar from increasing to a safe level. Another consideration is that peanut butter is a protein and fat combination food that would delay the absorption of the carbs from the crackers. Glucose tabs and gel, are quickly absorbed and would be the best choice!
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity
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