When blood sugar drops to 70 or lower, what should be administered?

When blood sugar drops to 70 or lower, administering glucagon is the appropriate response. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting the conversion of stored glycogen in the liver back into glucose, which can then be released into the bloodstream. This rapid increase in blood sugar is crucial in situations of hypoglycemia, which can occur if an individual has taken their insulin but has not eaten enough or has exercised excessively.

Administering glucagon can quickly restore blood glucose levels to a safer range, which is vital for preventing severe symptoms of hypoglycemia such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. This intervention is especially important in emergency situations where immediate action is needed.

Other options, such as insulin or exercise, do not address hypoglycemia effectively. Insulin would further decrease blood sugar levels, possibly worsening the situation. Exercise, while beneficial in managing blood sugar levels in other scenarios, can deplete glucose even further in the case of hypoglycemia. Increasing intake of more food may be considered, but glucagon acts more rapidly to counteract the immediate threat of low blood sugar. Therefore, glucagon is the most effective and urgent choice for treating this condition.