What should you encourage a responsive person with suspected low blood sugar to do?

Encouraging a responsive person with suspected low blood sugar to swallow about 1 1/4 U.S. tablespoons (20 gm) of oral glucose is important because it provides the necessary immediate sugar boost that helps elevate their blood sugar levels. When someone experiences hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), they may become confused, shaky, or even faint. Consuming glucose rapidly is vital in these situations to restore normal blood sugar levels and prevent serious complications, such as loss of consciousness or seizures.

Oral glucose is effective as it can be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, leading to a prompt improvement in symptoms. It's also critical that the individual is responsive enough to swallow safely to avoid choking, which is why options that involve altering the person’s position or administering medications are not appropriate in this scenario.