How much sugar should adults receive during a diabetic emergency?

During a diabetic emergency, particularly when a person is experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's essential to provide an appropriate amount of sugar to quickly raise their blood glucose levels back to normal. The correct amount for adults is typically between 15 to 20 grams of simple carbohydrates. This range is effective because it can swiftly increase blood sugar levels without overcompensating, which could lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if too much sugar is administered.

Using 15 to 20 grams strikes a balance; it is sufficient to rapidly elevate blood sugar while minimizing the risk of excessive intake. This is why this amount is the recommended guideline in many first aid protocols for handling diabetic emergencies.

The other suggested amounts may either be too low, potentially risking an insufficient elevation in blood sugar, or too high, which can lead to complications from overly elevated glucose levels. Therefore, providing 15 to 20 grams of sugar is the safest and most effective approach during a diabetic emergency.