What is dextrose?
Dextrose is the name of a simple sugar made from corn or wheat that’s chemically identical to glucose, or blood sugar. Dextrose is often used in baking products as a sweetener, and is commonly found in items such as processed foods and corn syrup. Dextrose also has medical purposes. It is dissolved in solutions that are given intravenously, which can be combined with other drugs, or used to increase a person’s blood sugar. Because dextrose is a “simple” sugar, the body can quickly use it for energy. Simple sugars can raise blood sugar levels very quickly, and they often lack nutritional value. Examples of other simple sugars include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Products that are typically made of simple sugars include refined sugar, white pasta, and honey.

What are common dextrose preparations?
Dextrose is used to make several intravenous (IV) preparations or mixtures, which are available only at a hospital or medical facility. Dextrose is also available as an oral gel or in oral tablet form over the counter from pharmacies. Each what is dextrose concentration has its own unique uses. Higher concentrations are typically used as “rescue” doses when someone has a very low blood sugar reading.

How is dextrose used?
Dextrose is used in various concentrations for different purposes. For example, a doctor may prescribe dextrose in an IV solution when someone is dehydrated and has low blood sugar. Dextrose IV solutions can also be combined with many drugs, for IV administration. Dextrose is a carbohydrate. Solutions containing dextrose provide calories and may be given intravenously in combination with amino acids and fats. This is called total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and it’s used to provide nutrition to those who cannot absorb or get carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats through their gut. High-concentration dextrose injections are only given by professionals. These injections are administered to people whose blood sugar may be very low and who cannot swallow dextrose tablets, foods, or drinks. If your potassium levels are too high (hyperkalemia), sometimes doctors also give dextrose injections of 50 percent, followed by insulin intravenously. This may be done in the hospital setting. When cells take in extra glucose, they also take in potassium. This helps to lower a person’s blood potassium levels. The dextrose is given to prevent hypoglycemia, while the insulin is treating the elevated potassium.
People with diabetes or hypoglycemia (chronically low blood sugar) may carry dextrose gel or tablets in case their blood sugar gets too low. The gel or tablets dissolve in a person’s mouth and quickly boost blood sugar levels. If a person’s blood sugar is less than 70 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) and they are having low blood sugar symptoms, they may need to take the dextrose tablets. Examples of low blood sugar symptoms include weakness, confusion, sweating, and elevated heart rate.

Monitoring your blood sugar while on dextrose
Even if you don’t have certain conditions, it is important to continually check your blood sugar if you are receiving what is dextrose. This ensures that the dextrose doesn’t dangerously increase blood sugar. You can check your blood sugar with home tests. They involve testing blood from a finger prick on a blood strip. For those who are physically unable to test their blood at home, urine glucose tests are available, though they’re not as reliable. If you do find that you or someone else is having a negative reaction due to low blood sugar, the dextrose tablets should be taken immediately. According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, four glucose tablets are equal to 15 grams of carbs and can be taken in the case of low blood sugar levels (unless otherwise advised by your doctor).
Chew the tablets thoroughly before swallowing. No water is needed. Your symptoms should improve within 20 minutes. If they don’t, consult your doctor. The dextrose gel often comes in single-serving tubes. If you haven’t felt any positive changes after 10 minutes, repeat with another tube. If your blood sugar is still too low after an additional 10 minutes, contact your doctor.