Which beverage is appropriate to treat mild hypoglycemia in a child with diabetes?

• A. Apple juice
• B. Orange juice
• C. Milk
• D. Water

Answer: (B)

Treating mild hypoglycemia with a fast-acting carbohydrate is the key idea. Orange juice is a good example because it provides simple sugars in liquid form, which are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, helping raise blood glucose promptly. It delivers the needed amount of carbohydrate in a small, readily available beverage, without fat or protein that could slow absorption. Milk contains fat and protein which slow how fast glucose appears in the blood, and water has no sugar at all, so neither helps raise glucose. Apple juice could also work, but orange juice is the commonly used, reliable option for delivering quick glucose in a small serving. After giving it, recheck blood glucose in about 15 minutes and repeat if still low.