Walgreens Gluco Shot for Diabetics

I am always walking the aisles of CVS and Walgreens drugstores, looking for new products, and also bargains. As my husband Len is a diabetic, I noticed that they had their own brand of Gluco Shot, and it was reduced down from $2.99 to just 75 cents.

I picked up several bottles, because Len often forgets to suck on a glucose tablet, when his sugar levels go way down. I figured that if these are in the front of the fridge, he can't help but notice them, and use them.

Upon looking at the 2 fluid ounce (59 ml) bottle, it states that is is an "Instant Energy Liquid Glucose", is "Great Tasting", "Raises Blood Sugar fast and boosts energy". The flavor that was on sale is Lemon Lime.

The bottle of Walgreens Gluco Shot is completely sealed. I tried to turn the top of the bottle so see if it would split the seal, but it didn't. I then got a box cutter knife and cut where the bottom of the lid would be. This caused me some concern, because if Len gets up in the middle of the night with a sugar low of 50 or less, there is no way that he wouldn't be shaking. This seal just doesn't work well, when someone really needs to get to the product.

After getting the seal off, there is another 'lift and peel' seal under the cap. This one took me one and a half minutes to finally get it to lift up. I had the bottle tilted, and could have lost some of the liquid inside.

I had loved the thought of this product, but already realize that unless the outer, and inner seals, are removed, there is no way that Len would be able to drink it. During the day, if we are at home, orange juice works just fine for him. I had thought that these would be great for when we are out and about, say walking the beach, or the park. I could have one available for him if he needed it. With both seals broken I wouldn't feel comfortable transporting it around for days, in case he had a sugar low.

Onto the product.

I tried the taste of the Lemon Lime, and it is a little on the tart side, but not to the point that I couldn't drink it.

It has 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrates per bottle. It is naturally and artificially flavored. It is caffeine, fat, and gluten free. There are 70 calories per bottle.

A couple of nights ago I heard Len getting up so I asked him if he was alright. He told me that his sugar was low, so I immediately got up, and headed to the kitchen. I had already removed the outer seal, but left the inner one on. I got the bottle out, and as Len is stronger than me, he was able to lift that seal off. I told him to drink the small bottle of Gluco Shot.

He downed it immediately. I asked him what his sugar reading had been and he told me 48. Len was ready to eat something as he still felt hungry. This is when he tends to over correct his reading. I said to wait a few minutes and see how it went. Within 5 minutes he said that the hungry, sweating, shaking feeling had gone. We went back to bed.

In the morning Len's sugar reading was 71, and it should be between 70 and 125.

We still have 5 more of these Walgreens Gluco Shots left. I can tell you that when you can drink them they work great. However, the packaging lets them down. I do realize that a product such as this mustn't be tampered with, and this is Walgreens way of doing it.

I would hope that they find an easier way for people, who have diabetes, to be able to use the Gluco Shot.

This product is pharmacist recommended.

Walgreen Co.,
Deerfield,
IL 60015.

For questions telephone 1-800-461-7448.