Your patient's blood sugar checked before your session is 90. What should you do?

A blood sugar level of 90 mg/dL is generally considered to be within the normal range for most individuals, particularly those who do not have diabetes or are well-managed in terms of their condition. However, some patients, especially those with diabetes, may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia at levels above 70 mg/dL, particularly if they have not eaten recently or are on medications that lower blood sugar.

In this context, having the patient ingest 15 grams of carbohydrate before starting the session acts as a precautionary measure to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain stable during physical activity. This approach helps to prevent any potential hypoglycemic episodes that could occur as a result of exercise, which increases demand for glucose in the blood.

Moving forward with the session without taking precautionary steps could risk the patient experiencing a drop in blood sugar, especially during the exertion of physical therapy. Therefore, providing a small amount of carbohydrate allows you to safeguard the patient's health while promoting a safe therapy session.