Blood sugar levels rise after eating, with highly refined carbs causing a sudden spike. Portable blood glucose meters can test levels, which should not exceed 100 mg/dL two hours after eating. Diabetes can be managed with diet, exercise, and insulin. Consult a doctor for concerns.
There is normally a rise in blood sugar after eating, as most foods contain some level of glucose. The higher the sugar or carbohydrate content of the food, the higher the blood sugar will be. Some foods, such as highly refined carbohydrates, cause a sudden and dramatic spike in sugar levels. Others, such as those that are high in fiber, result in a more gradual increase.
The best way for an individual to test their blood sugar after eating to determine exact levels is to use a portable blood glucose meter. These are small devices that use thin test strips with a sample of your own blood to determine blood sugar levels. They are most commonly used by diabetics to monitor glucose levels to make sure they don’t get too high or low, but many people may benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels under control throughout the day.
Those who have diabetes may have low or high blood sugar after eating, depending on the type. Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas is unable to produce enough of the enzyme insulin to break down blood glucose. This is normally a condition you are born with and is not caused by consuming too much sugar. Type 2 diabetes causes blood sugar levels to stay high because the body produces too much insulin and eventually becomes resistant to its effects. Both types can be managed through proper diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin injections.
Normally, blood glucose after eating should not exceed 100 mg/dL when tested two hours after eating. Levels above this could indicate pre-diabetes or diabetes and should be reported to a healthcare professional for further testing. Levels should also be no lower than 70 mg/dl two hours after eating regularly. Your blood sugar may be lower or higher than normal for a test due to unusually high sugar consumption or lack of food intake. For this reason, diabetes is often diagnosed after a series of tests rather than a reading.
Anyone concerned about blood glucose readings should discuss these with their doctor. Both forms of diabetes can be treated. Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented and sometimes even reversed with a few dietary changes. Blood sugar normally fluctuates throughout the day and is generally at its lowest level in the morning before breakfast.
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