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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

The patient is experiencing hypoglycemia, defined as a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL. The standard initial treatment for conscious patients is the “15-15 rule,” which involves administering 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular soda, followed by rechecking blood glucose after 15 minutes.

This approach is supported by CDCES and diabetes management guidelines as the safest and most effective immediate intervention for mild to moderate hypoglycemia. Administering long-acting insulin would worsen hypoglycemia, while exercise would further lower glucose levels and increase risk of severe complications. Glucagon is reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow safely.

Proper recognition and immediate response to hypoglycemia is a core competency in diabetes self-management education. Patients must also be taught prevention strategies, including meal timing, medication adjustment, and recognizing early warning symptoms.