Oral glucose is indicated for which conditions?

• A. DKA only
• B. Both DKA and insulin shock
• C. Insulin shock only
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

Oral glucose is used to rapidly raise blood sugar in a conscious patient who is experiencing hypoglycemia (insulin shock). It works quickly to restore cognitive function and energy when the patient can swallow safely. In contrast, diabetic ketoacidosis is a hyperglycemic emergency—high blood glucose with dehydration and acidosis—and it requires IV fluids and insulin, not oral glucose. Giving oral glucose during DKA wouldn’t address the underlying problem and could delay proper treatment. Therefore, oral glucose is indicated for insulin shock only, not for DKA. If the patient is unconscious or cannot swallow, other routes (IV dextrose or glucagon) are used per protocol.