Too many of the wrong foods can quickly send your blood sugar levels soaring after eating, which will in turn raises your A1c and makes it difficult to gain control over your type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
When blood sugar or A1c run riot, you can increase your risk of developing diabetic complications such as neuropathy or cardiovascular disease – and of course, no one wants that, right?
That’s why it’s important to know your numbers. So let’s go over some commonly asked post-meal blood sugar questions. And make sure to join the discussion by asking your own questions in the comments below.
What level is considered high after eating?
Ideally, your goal is to maintain blood sugar levels under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after a meal. Therefore, if your levels run above this on a regular basis, they would be considered high.
My blood sugar levels after eating are always different, is this normal?
Of course this is normal because your blood sugar levels are directly impacted by what you eat!
If you’re talking about small variations in glucose levels, and you’re generally staying below the 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) threshold, then you don’t need to worry about those differences.
However, if your sugar levels are all over the place, and they are running high on a regular basis, then you need to stop and think about what you’re eating.
Carbs are the nutrient that most affect blood sugar levels. Research continually shows low carb diets are more effective at lowering A1c and blood sugar when compared to low fat diets.
If you indulge in a slice of pizza (high carb), then I would predict (with much certainty) that your post-meal blood sugar will be much higher than had you enjoyed some chicken and cheesy vegetables (lower carbs).
Consider tracking your food intake and blood sugar levels for a few days to identify which meals are most elevating your blood sugar. You can use something like this glucose spreadsheet or printable version if you prefer.
If you should take your blood sugar levels 2 hrs after eating, does that mean you have to wait 2 hours after a meal before you can eat a snack, since you can’t eat a snack and then test your blood sugar?
For a true 2-hour post-meal reading, you should not snack after you finish your meal.
The 2-hour time frame is the amount of time it takes your body to digest your meal, break down the nutrients, and absorb the sugar into your cells. If you’re snacking mid-way through this 2-hour time frame then you are disrupting normal metabolism and therefore the blood sugar reading isn’t all that telling.
Make sure your meals are packed with protein and lots of healthy fat. This will help you stay fuller longer so that you don’t have the urge to snack right after a meal.
My blood sugar levels after eating are always changing and often higher than they should be. I don’t understand, how do carbohydrates affect blood sugar? Obviously it’s not just sugar.
Like we said above: Carbs are the nutrient that most affect blood sugar levels.
Carbohydrates are the broad class of nutrient, and sugar is a subcategory of a carbohydrate. The other two subcategories of carbs are starch and fiber.
Something many people forget is that both sugar and starch break down into sugar (glucose) molecules, which can be used for cellular energy. For this reason, only counting grams of sugar isn’t enough; you need to look at the total grams of carbohydrates.
Let’s talk about a few different foods so that you have a better understanding of sugar, starch, and fiber.
Sugar: Most people can identify a high sugar food – think of a candy bar or can of soda. Clearly these types of foods are best avoided by people with diabetes and prediabetes.
Starch: Rice, pasta, and potatoes are examples of foods that are high in starch. Since starch is a type of carbohydrate it also means these foods are high in carbs. None of these foods are high in added sugar, but as soon as you eat them your body will begin to break down the starch into glucose.
If your blood sugar levels are high after eating bread, oats, or rice it’s because your body is breaking down these foods into sugar. Even “healthy” grains like whole grain bread or brown rice are very high in starch, and therefore will directly raise blood sugar levels.
If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes you should avoid, or significantly limit, these types of high starch foods.
Fiber: Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate. This type of carbohydrate does not get turned into sugar, which means great things for your blood sugar levels. Vegetables are packed with fiber and most contain very little starch; hence why we recommend you include tons of non-starchy vegetables in your diet.
My blood sugar is always high at noon (11.0 to 14.0). The only way to have normal sugar reading is to not have breakfast at all. When I have breakfast and a shot of fast acting insulin reading at noon, my levels are always over 10.0. I have changed what I eat too many times that I don’t care. Any suggestions on why this is or what to do?
The most obvious thought is to look at what you’re eating for breakfast; common breakfast items like cereal or pancakes are going to spike your blood sugar much more than eggs or some plain yogurt with berries.
Another thought relates to your fasting (before breakfast) sugar level. If you’re already starting off elevated (> 100 mg/dL or 6 mmol/L) then you’re right that no matter what you eat, your blood sugar will continue to rise.
If you’re struggling with elevated morning sugar, then it may be beneficial to try some apple cider vinegar and cheese, or a protein-fat combo snack before bed.
Since you’re on insulin, it might be worthwhile to talk to your doctor about the particular fast acting insulin you are on. Short acting insulin starts working in 30 minutes; peaks in 2-4 hours; and lasts 4-8 hours. Your dosing may be off if you’re having trouble covering your breakfasts.
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My husband is 76 and has a problem with his blood sugar count, it is too high. Would his age have anything to do with it?
Age does not factor into blood sugar control nor recommended ranges.
What will impact your husband’s blood sugar level is diet, exercise, and stress. You may suggest a low carb diet and some physical activity such as walking if he is not already doing so. Excess weight can also negatively impact blood sugar levels.
How much weight to lose until my blood sugar levels are normal after eating?
Research shows 5-10% weight loss can significantly improve blood sugar levels.
For example, if you weigh 200 pounds (91 kilograms), that means 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kg) is enough to see improvements in your A1c and post meal readings.
The good news is that the foods that will help you lose weight are the same foods that will help improve your post meal sugar levels. These include plenty of non-starchy vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.
My a1c is good but my daily blood glucose averages around 140. Do A1c and blood glucose have a long term relationship?
It’s important to interpret and analyze both A1c and daily glucose levels; they often go hand-in-hand but that’s not always the case. Let’s review what each reading is measuring.
A1c is the average blood sugar level over three months. A1c is a firm average, there is no changing that number.
A blood glucose reading is a single reading at a single moment in time. This number can fluctuate immensely depending on food intake, exercise, and stress.
If the average of your daily blood glucose readings in 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), then it would be expected that your A1c for that period is around 6%.
If your A1c is not around 6% you may be wondering what that means.
Well, if it’s significantly higher than 6% it means that your missing (not checking) many daily blood glucose readings that are above 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). You may not accurately be capturing your post-meal high sugar levels, or you could be experiencing unnoticed high levels overnight.
On the other hand, an A1c under 6% means you aren’t capturing all your low readings. Depending on how much under 6% you are you could be experiencing bouts of hypoglycemia (extreme low blood sugar) throughout the day.
Continue checking your daily blood sugar as advised by your doctor. Work with your healthcare team to identify trends and strategize to eliminate any extreme highs or lows that will show up in your true A1c average.
Should I be monitoring my blood sugar after eating?
Generally, that is between you and your doctor. It depends on your levels, your control, and your goals.
Many of our members have found that the more often they are able to check their sugar levels, the better their A1c is. This is because measuring blood sugar gives you instant feedback on how you’re going on a day-to-day basis.
If you are having difficulty gaining control over your sugar levels it can be beneficial to check more often.
My doctor said that rather than fixating on blood sugar readings he wants me to do 3-month blood tests to read my body’s longer term adjustment – what experiences can you relate to this thinking?
The 3-month blood test you are referring to is called hemoglobin A1c, or simply A1c level. This value will represent your average blood sugar over the past 3 months; basically, as your doctor described, it will provide a “big-picture” on your control.
The downfall of solely relying on that A1c value is that you have to wait several months before making any adjustments to your diabetes regimen. Especially if it turns out your A1c is high, then you let 3 months pass where you could have been gaining better control.
Most diabetes organizations recommend you test at least 3-4 times per day. And many of our successful members report they have achieved better control when they are able to check blood sugar regularly, at least until they know what they are doing and are confident to keep on track. Testing more frequently will allow you more opportunity to make corrections to your diet and exercise regimen.
A1c and daily blood sugar readings are best used in tandem so that you can maintain near normal sugar levels and prevent any nasty complications of uncontrolled diabetes. The sooner you’re able to gain control, the lower your risk of developing any diabetic complications.
Ultimately, your checking regimen is between you and your doctor and will be dependent on your current levels and control.
Need help with lowering your after meal numbers? Join us as a member for weekly meal plans, resources and support.
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TESTIMONIAL: “3 months ago my A1C was 8.7 and my recent blood work showed it at 7.4. My endocrinologist was very impressed and thinks I will be at the target level by my next testing in 3 months. Just eating your meal plan for a month and seeing the results gives me motivation to continue.” ~Gloria G.
Jessica
My daughter is 8 years old. Her numbers lately have been higher then i like. She’s never been diagnosed with diabetes but has always been on that teetering line. 2 hrs after her meal last night it was 138 and that’s the highest it’s ever been and her fasting for that morning was 111 which had me extremely worried. I’ve never had to deal with diabetes so I know I’m not helping her as I could be. Is there any helpful educational materials out there for her an I so I can better help her?
Jedha: Nutritionist (MNutr)
Browse through our free resources here Jessica. The best thing you can do for your daughter is feed her a healthy diet and teach her about healthy foods. You can also get more active with her too! If your concerns continue, please see your doctor for help and diagnosis.
Abdulkadir
My blood sugar has been high. I have been using the British glucometer. my reading has been high as 29. I urinate alot
Emily - Dietitian (MS, RD)
Check out this article for dealing with those suddenly high readings- anything over 16.6 mmol/L and you should contact your doctor for specific recommendations and to find out if it’s necessary to go to the emergency room.
In general, many of our members find a low carbohydrate diet can help them gain better control over their sugar levels. Here’s a list of best foods to pick from. Remember, long term uncontrolled blood sugar is what leads to all those nasty diabetic complications.
Bonnie
Thank you for all your info. I would like to know how does a non diabetic blood sugar chart look like after they eat? How high does it go or does it stay below 99? And I seem not to be able to get my morning blood sugar under 99. Stays between 112 and 105, before I go to bed it will be in the 90’s and I do have a cheese snack because when I wake up in the nite I always break into a quick sweat so I think I’m low? Yhnx so much
Emily - Dietitian (MS, RD)
Hi Bonnie,
Do you have a meter to check your blood sugar? If you wake up with signs of hypoglycemia you really should be checking your blood sugar- if you are below 70mg/dL then you need to have a carbohydrate containing snack. Cheese is not an appropriate snack if your blood sugar is low.
However, in general cheese is a great snack for diabetics and can be used as a before bed snack if you are feeling hungry.
The “normal range” for people without diabetes is under 100mg/dl in the morning, and under 140mg/dL after meals. Do your best to maintain near normal sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication as needed. Occasionally waking up around 112mg/dL is pretty decent, consider trying some apple cider vinegar with your cheese prior to bed.
Sandi22
I’m have been diagnosed a month ago with a reading of 366 in the hospital. My a1c was 12! They did all the necessary tests and chest X-ray to make sure all was well with me. I am now with a doctor who prescribed metformin 500 mg daily but have not taken any since I went back to my old way of eating and exercising. I broke my back and know that was no excuse for overeating but it was a long 18 month road back to walking. And diabetes runs in my dad’s family. So I had a 50/50 shot of getting it. I have been back to normal eating and exercise and in 1 month my reading today upon awakening was 109. I will check it again after eating lunch. But the last time I checked (8/9 days ago) it was 121. About 4/5 hrs after dinner, it is 77. I am going to try to keep off medication for another 2 months and see if it is normal. I was told by my doctor that the honeymoon phase is what I’m in and I can get in trouble doing this? Everything I read states it mostly pertains to type 1. But I did read type 2 can do the same with insulin? To add to the conversation, I think eating the right foods, taking all the processed food and a lot of carbs out of your daily routine will keep a1c levels down. I can’t have mine checked just yet as I know that the cells last 3 months. Exercise after lunch or dinner would add to this for me. I also lost 15 pounds!
Emily - Dietitian (MS, RD)
Sandi- so far it sounds like you are on the right track!
Absolutely through diet, exercise, and weight loss (as needed) you can remain off medication and still maintain normal sugar levels. It’s only harmful if you’re sugar levels are remaining elevated- aim to stay under 140mg/dL after means; under 100mg/dL in the morning.
The honeymoon phase does go hand-in-hand with type 1 diabetics- but again, as long as your sugar levels are under good control there isn’t any harm that I can identify by doing it this way. If down the road you notice that your sugar levels are creeping up, then at that point you would want to consider adding medication.
Check out this food list if you’re looking for some guidance with diet.
Sandi22
Thanks so much. 🙂. I will keep on this path and check at different times. I just want to make sure all is well at different times. I did eat a bad, larger dinner last night since I wanted to see how much it would affect my levels. 2 hrs after that dinner my bg was 134 and 3 hrs after spiked to 147. Is this because it takes the “bad food” longer to spike? I have so much to learn with this. My parents just took their readings once in the am. I never knew how quickly they can change throughout the day. You are so kind to offer your advice and information on diabetes. I have been learning and keeping a log of all my readings and what I I eat and how much and when I exercise now.
Emily - Dietitian (MS, RD)
That is one possible explanation, Sandi. Foods with more fiber (complex carbs) and/or fat will take longer to digest compared to “simple carbs.” This may prolong your post meal readings. Another explanation, especially since the difference isn’t that great, could just be a slight fluctuation in your meter. Keep up the great work and pick the foods that allow you to stay under 140mg/dL regularly!
Chris
Two questions. Does the 2 hours after a meal start with the first bite or the last. Also, does drinking a beverage count as eating?
Emily - Dietitian (MS, RD)
Blood sugar levels should be checked 2 hours after the first bite- this is when digestion begins! Remember to aim for levels under 140mg/dl after meals.
Drinking would count as eating if the beverage contains calories/carbohydrates- items such as milk, juice, soda, or sweetened tea. (In generally, these are not foods you should be eating.) If you are consuming a no-calorie beverage such water, seltzer, black tea or black coffee then no, you would not count that as eating.
Jerry DiMaso
My fasting blood sugars are very high in the mornings, higher than when I go to bed, 350in the morning and 290 in the evening. I only eat a couple of pieces of bread per day, no juice, pop, or candy ever. A few crackers once in a while. I have a Humalog Mix Kwik Pen 50/50. I don’t know how much I should be taking before a meal but usally take 26 units if i’m going to have a piece or two of bread but my sugars remain high at night and in the morning even higher.
Emily - Dietitian (MS, RD)
Carbohydrates are the #1 nutrient that most impact blood sugar levels- this includes bread, crackers, rice, pasta and juice. We encourage those with high blood sugar to try a low carbohydrate diet as science shows this is one of the most effective ways to improve blood glucose control. Monitor your sugar levels as you begin to choose more foods from this list– I would encourage you to eliminate the bread and crackers for the time being.
Make sure to check with your doctor about insulin dosing. ESPECIALLY, if you are going to be reducing your carbohydrate intake, then you may need to also reduce your insulin as well.
Vdaugherty
Levels vary very high during early mornings hours before even coffee. I get up very early for work. I’m on metformin in am and pm..why are my levels so high, average of 179 last 2 weeks.. my levels are slowly creeping upward
Emily - Dietitian (MS, RD)
Due to changes in our hormones, high morning blood sugar is a problem for many. This article will provide a bit of guidance on how to remedy- one favorite that is effective for many of our readers is taking some apple cider vinegar and cheese prior to bed. Aim for levels under 130mg/dl in the morning!
A low carbohydrate diet can also be effective in lowering around the clock blood sugar, not just in the morning. If you have never tried this eating style, then you may want to consider trying for improved control.
Sandi22
I find this very true. I keep to the low carb way and don’t do the high fat. I try to find the lowest fat except for the “good” kind. I keep the same reading nightly about 4 hrs after dinner at 77. Is this an acceptable level or is it too low? I eat about 5 pecan halves and 2 Brazil nuts & a tsp of low fat cottage cheese before bed. Is there a cause for my bg to go lower at that time of night?
Emily - Dietitian (MS, RD)
A reading of 77mg/dL is right on the edge of being considered low- usually under 70mg/dL is considered too low. I would encourage you to continue with your evening snack, this will ensure you stay at a happy level throughout the night and don’t drop too low.
Fat is a huge misconception these days!!! When we talk about “bad” fat versus “good” fat it’s very easy to get confused in all the misinformation- fat is actually super important for someone with diabetes. Check out this article to make sure you are making the right decisions when it comes to your fat choices- you may even currently be excluding some that are perfectly acceptable to include.
Sandi22
Thank you. I was a bit worried about that number. The nuts are staying on my menu in the evening. I like the Keto but don’t want the “bad” fat. Right now loving the salmon, avocado, etc. Who would have known.lol Have always used the olive oil (my dad’s Italian) in my cooking as well as salads.
I have been experimenting this week since everyone says to check what spikes your BG and how other foods lower it. It has been a bit crazy and I don’t think I would want to try this again. And then trying to limit my calories intake so I can get back down to 110.
I’m so glad you’re here to talk to and advise me. It really helps a lot.