Design a short, physiologically justified intervention plan to quickly correct symptomatic hypoglycemia in an adult patient who is conscious and able to swallow. Which combination and mechanism is most appropriate?

• A. Administer a long-acting oral hypoglycemic agent to stimulate insulin release because increasing insulin will drive glucose into cells and thus correct hypoglycemia faster.
• B. Advise the patient to fast and perform high-intensity exercise to increase sympathetic tone, which will lower blood glucose slowly and alleviate hypoglycemic symptoms by promoting lipogenesis.
• C. Immediately inject glucagon into the muscle because glucagon will bind muscle receptors to stimulate muscle glycogenolysis and release glucose directly into the blood.
• D. Give 15–20 g fast-acting carbohydrate orally (e.g., 4 oz juice) to rapidly raise blood glucose via intestinal absorption; recheck glucose in 15 minutes and repeat if needed — this supplies external glucose and reduces need for glucagon-driven hepatic release.

Answer: (D)