After administering a fast-acting carbohydrate for hypoglycemia, when should you recheck the blood glucose?

• A. In 5 minutes
• B. In 15 minutes
• C. In 1 hour
• D. In 3 hours

Answer: (B)

When you treat hypoglycemia with a fast-acting carbohydrate, you recheck glucose about 15 minutes later. The rapid carbohydrate begins to raise blood glucose within roughly 10–15 minutes, so checking at that interval confirms whether the treatment worked and helps you decide if another dose or a snack is needed. Checking much earlier, like at 5 minutes, isn’t reliable because the carbohydrate hasn’t had time to affect the level. Waiting an hour or longer could leave the brain without glucose longer than necessary and misses the chance to promptly correct the hypoglycemia. If the 15-minute check shows glucose is now above the threshold and symptoms have resolved, you can proceed with a snack if a meal isn’t soon.