What must be done if a patient's BGL is low?

In situations where a patient's blood glucose level (BGL) is low, providing immediate treatment with oral sugar or juice is critical. This response is necessary because low BGL, or hypoglycemia, can lead to serious complications, including confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, or even death if not promptly addressed. Oral sugar or juice is readily absorbed and quickly raises blood sugar levels, helping restore the patient's normal physiological state.

Immediate treatment is crucial; waiting for medical evacuations or merely documenting the BGL without taking action can jeopardize the patient's safety. Continuously monitoring without intervention may result in the patient's condition worsening. Consulting with a specialist, while important in certain circumstances, is not the first step in treating a hypoglycemic patient and should not delay immediate treatment measures like administering fast-acting carbohydrates.