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- 1. What should my fasting blood sugar levels after exercise be?
- 2. My doctor says I have normal A1C but high blood sugar. What does that mean?
- 3. What do I do when high blood sugars won’t go down?
- 4. What is considered extremely high blood sugar?
- 5. Do antibiotics affect blood sugar?
- 6. What are low blood sugar symptoms?
- 7. My blood sugar is higher one hour after eating, is that normal?
- 8. Blood sugar levels taking metformin: Should they be lower?
We often have the same repetitive questions arise around blood sugar, so we’ve collected a range of them and put together some short answers below.
1. What should my fasting blood sugar levels after exercise be?
Firstly, you may be a little confused here, because your fasting blood sugar is a measurement taken 8-10 hours after you’ve eaten, for example, when you first wake up in the morning. It’s strongly recommended that you eat something before you exercise – if you don’t you won’t have enough energy to exercise and you also put yourself at risk for hypoglycemia – low blood sugar.
Healthy fasting blood glucose levels are between 70-100 (3.9-5.6). Some guidelines say 70-110 (3.9-6.1) and more liberal goals for those who’ve had diabetes longer are sometimes slightly higher at 70-130 (3.9-7.2). The aim for blood glucose after meals, including after exercise, is below 140 (7.8). Anything below 70 should be treated as hypoglycemia.
When it comes to exercise, always check your blood sugar prior to exercising. If it is lower than usual for you or lower than 100 (5.6), have a small snack. If you feel dizzy or shaky after exercise, again, it’s important to check your sugar levels. You may just be tired from a good workout, but if blood sugar is low, it is important to treat.
2. My doctor says I have normal A1C but high blood sugar. What does that mean?
It’s hard to know without seeing your specific numbers. There are several tests to consider when it comes to diabetes. I suspect that your 3 month average A1C may be in range, but you’re having high and low daily readings. Unlike daily blood sugar readings, A1C is not really something that needs to be measured each day as it takes time for dietary and lifestyle changes to reflect in the results, which is why a 3 month average is normally taken.
On the other hand, your daily blood glucose home testing is more like walking through the forest, examining all the trees and wildlife and day to day variation. This value is continually changing based on what you eat, when you exercise, how well you’ve slept, whether you’re stressed, and so forth. Just to reiterate your targets for healthy fasting blood glucose levels are between 70-100 (or 110 in some cases) (3.9-5.6 – or up to 6.1) and after meals, including after exercise, below 140 (7.8).
Think of it this way, if your body temperature is 100 degrees half the time and 95 the other half, the average is 97.5. Now 97.5 is a healthy temperature, but it’s not good for your temperature to be either 95 or 100. If you’re uncertain or confused about what your doctor means, make a point to ask him/her to clarify it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. What do I do when high blood sugars won’t go down?
There are a lot of treatment options for dealing with high blood glucose readings, we’ve covered those before so be sure to check out the details.
Figuring out the source of high sugar levels is key. Here are a few important things to consider – are you eating excess carbs, the wrong kinds of carbs, drinking sugary drinks, experiencing high levels of stress, have lack of activity, poor sleep, current infections, or are you a smoker – all these things impact blood sugar levels.
The best way to identify the source is to keep a food and lifestyle log so you can detect patterns and contact your physician if you’ve ruled out the obvious.
4. What is considered extremely high blood sugar?
While “extremely high blood sugar” is not a defined term and can be interpreted subjectively, fasting values above 126 (7) and post prandial (after meals) values above 140 (7.8) increase your risk for diabetic complications.
The higher these values, the more frequent those high readings are, and the longer they stay this high, the greater the risk. So your aim is to keep blood glucose within the normal range and always below 126 (7) fasting, and 140 (7.8) after meals.
To highlight the increased risk, for ever 1 point drop in HbA1c, there is a 45% decrease in risk for cardiovascular disease and 40% decrease in eye, nerve and kidney disease – pretty impressive!
For more on blood sugar goal ranges, check out our printable blood sugar chart.
5. Do antibiotics affect blood sugar?
Antibiotics don’t have a direct effect on blood sugar, but infections (for which you are likely taking antibiotics) sure do!
Antibiotics are one of the most over-prescribed medications and resistance can cause complications if taken very often; however, if you have a legitimate bacterial infection, antibiotics will help to reduce it.
6. What are low blood sugar symptoms?
Hypoglycemia, also known as, low blood sugar, has the following symptoms – increased heart rate, fatigue, shakiness, sweaty palms, weakness, pale skin, irritability, a tingling sensation, and increased hunger.
It’s very important to eat at regular mealtimes, consume a good balance of slow carbs, protein and healthy fats, and check your blood sugar regularly to prevent hypoglycemia in the first place. Always check your blood sugar before treating because some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be indicative of other problems.
Check out more information about hypoglyemia and treatment here.
7. My blood sugar is higher one hour after eating, is that normal?
Absolutely yes! In fact, if it wasn’t it would be surprising.
There are different goal ranges before and after eating. Fasting glucose levels should be in the 70-100 (3.9-5.6) range, whereas 2 hours after meals levels should be 140 (7.8) or less. Though some do check one hour after, and it can give an indication of how much some foods influence blood sugar, there isn’t an essential need to check it at this interval as there hasn’t been sufficient time for insulin to reduce levels to a recommended goal range. The most regular intervals tested are fasting and 2 hours after meals.
8. Blood sugar levels taking metformin: Should they be lower?
Metformin is a medication that helps improve glucose control by reducing extra glucose output from the liver and muscle, improving insulin resistance, and increasing satiety (your feeling of fullness).
The goal with metformin is to lower blood glucose levels and in most cases they are effective in addressing those underlying causes, so you should begin seeing results. However, don’t just rely on medications because lifestyle choices – diet, exercise, and so forth – still play a very significant role. Check here for a fuller explanation on how metformin works.
Well, hope you find those answers handy! If you’ve got more blood sugar questions, just leave them below in the comments.
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Thanks Emily!😊
I had a very high blood sugar in january, 13.6 i rushed to the doctor and he carried out the months check and the result was as bad as 8.1. I insisted that i needed no medicine and would try out exercise and diet, today my fasting is between 70 and 84 while my post meal 2hrs is between 114 and 130. What does this tell?
We encourage all to maintain a fasting blood glucose between 70-100mg/dL, and keep 2 hour post meal under 140mg/dL. The readings you listed are right on with these goals, which means great things for your diabetes control.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 in August and put on Metformin and Lisinopril for HBP. However, my TSH was almost 9 which the doc didn’t seem to be too concerned about. I’ve begun an intense supplement regimen, including cinnamon pills and Berberine, and have cut out white pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, etc. (not perfectly but considerably) and have lost about 20 lbs but my morning BG readings are still about 130-150. What I also found was I developed post nasal drip about a week after starting the medications (haven’t had that in about 10 years, since I stopped taking allergy meds). Since it was fall I figured my allergies were back but I’ve since learned that the two medications can also cause post nasal drip and coughing, which keeps me up most of the night. I stopped the meds for a few days and ramped up the cinnamon but my fasting readings are up near 160 again. Also, the other day my reading was 214 but I took it again immediately (using the same finger prick) and it was really 150 so for the person concerned with the very high reading, do it again because sometimes the meter or test strip could be the problem.
I have just been “officially” declared diabetic. I used to be pre diabetic so I really didn’t pay much attention to what I ate , I am soaking up all this information. My number one problem is I am also on a blood thinner so I am finding it very hard to combine the foods to eat. Without affecting my sugars and my blood too much. Any suggestions?
It shouldn’t be too difficult Laurie. Veggies high in vitamin K are the main concern and it’s not that you should avoid them completely, it’s more that you need to ensure a regular intake each day, not eating too many all of a sudden, and you can talk to your doctor see if they are able to adjust meds if needed. Plus there are many vegetables to choose from so get to know what they are and feature them in your diet.
Just want u to know i think u guys r fabulous!!……thank u so much for all the info…..gail
So glad you find the info helpful–we appreciate the encouragement!!!
I AM TYPE 2 CHECKED MY BLOOD 26/5 IT WAS DOWN TWO 3.9 IS THAT GOOD OR BAD.
4-7.2 is the ‘normal’ level. 3.9 is okay but if you go much lower than that you may be experiencing hypoglycemia so should be aware of the symptoms.
My blood sugar levels were on borderline until few days before, today I checked and found it to be 345. I am astonished, kindly advise
Please visit your physician Beena, 345 are somewhat dangerous levels.
I have cut out carbs (bread, potatoes, rice etc) and only eat berries for fruit, milk in tea and meat and low carb veggies and STILL cannot get below 6.4 when I test before and after meals.
I lost 10lbs and walk daily (get my 10,000 steps) Still no improvement
Would wine at night affect my blood sugar levels? I only drink low sugar red wine (2-4g sugar per litre)
Thanks
Lori
Hi Lori, if you’re referring to mmol/l readings, 6.1 before meals is ideal but 6.4 is not bad at all. As for post meal, the ideal is under 7.8. And both before and after meal readings are always different. But I have a feeling you’re referring to the Estimated Average Glucose, which gives an A1C range? Not sure. But again, both before and after meal readings are always different because one you haven’t eaten and the other you have.
In any case, to answer your question, yes wine could influence you. Stress, sleep, and other lifestyle factors can too. And then sometimes, despite all efforts, for some people it can still be difficult due to individual metabolism. Starting with red wine could be a good point though. Find more info about alcohol here.
I cannot get my blood sugar levels down. I started on a Blood Glucose meter and my readings were,13.1,12.9 and 13.0. I don’t know how to get them lower.
On a visit to my surgery last week my readings had gone up from 6.4 to 7.1. I have type 2 diabetes and dont understand these readings from my monitor . The first 13.1 was taken by the diabetic nurse and she was alarmed by this reading. Why?
Hi Derek, the nurse was alarmed because your blood sugar levels are quite high. T2 diabetic fasting levels (taken first thing in the morning) should be between 4-7.2 (Ideal under under 6.1). 2 hours after a meal, your readings should be under 10 (Ideal is under 7.8). As you can see, yours are significantly higher than this. When your blood sugar remains high for long periods of time, it puts you at risk of complications, and other diseases. So your goal is to lower your levels to a healthier range.
To do so you need to lower your carbohydrate intake, exercise daily, stress less and ensure adequate sleep – those are the diet and lifestyle steps that will help. Carbohydrates are the nutrient that has the biggest influence on your blood sugar and A1C levels. You might find these tips helpful. You can also browse our top 10 essentials.
I have just recently view this site and found it very informative. I’m type 2 and struggles daily with my numbers. I’m trying very hard to eat the right foods but some times I faulters. However I’ve decided to do better with food intake because I hate medications. My altimate goal is to reverse this disease. My other problem is not having much activities as I’m currently disable due to a fall. My mobility is impaired so exercising is limited but do hope to do better soon. As I view the menus I plan to include them in my diet. Thanks you very much for the information.
Welcome Eugenia, great to have you here and we wish you all the best in your endeavors to minimize medications. Feel free to ask questions whenever you have them and enjoy our info!
Your Sight Is Very Informative, I Am a 63 Year Old Women Just Dignosed In September With Type 1, After Having A Wellness Blood Test. My A1c Was 9.5 And Sugar Level 509.
Hi Rose–glad you find our site informative. Sorry to hear about the recent diagnosis. Keep in mind that the focus of our site is Type 2. While some of the info may still be helpful and informative, Type 1 has a much different cause and so while lifestyle is always important, it doesn’t play quite the same role. I’d highly encourage you to get established with an endocrinologist you are comfortable with and diabetes educator to work with insulin and carb adjustments.
It’s amazing that the information you provide is so much more informative than that of most doctors and the American Diabetes Association. I believe that they all think that diabetes affects everyone the same way. It’s frustrating for me because I am active, I don’t drink sodas, I don’t smoke or drink, I am 5’6, weighing 169. I am currently managing without medications and it’s hard! Thank you so much. Today, I am making a plan to use some of your recipes to help me to lose a few more pounds. Thank you!
So glad you find the information helpful Tiffany….I know it can be frustrating to be ‘doing all the right things’ and still struggle with chronic health problems. I can relate as my diet is extremely clean–no processed foods or eating out at all, exercise daily, and am slightly underweight and still have pretty high cholesterol. I know there is a genetic link, but try to remember how much worse off I would be if I weren’t so conscious of lifestyle behaviors. Hope you enjoy the recipes and love that you find Diabetes Meal Plans a helpful tool to help you along the way on your health journey!
I am feeling overwhelmed. The more information I get into the more discouraged I become. For instance, looks like I have to give up my cereal in the morning because my blood sugar spikes. I love my cereal. Different kinds still cause a high reading and high carbs. Now I see that artificial sweeteners are bad for us. I gave up my 2oz of OJ, my half banana in cereal. No breads, potatoes, rice, processed foods and anything thing sweetened with sugar. Yet I have high reading in the AM.
I am on oral medication and some afternoons (when I forget lunch) I have readings as low as 70.
I have been puncturing my fingers 4 times a day for before and after each meal and am still figuring out what I can eat. Do I have to give up my bowl of cereal for the rest of my life?
Hi Chriss, it can be overwhelming but there are replacements you can make, even though they may not be exactly what you “love.”
Unfortunately most cereals are way too high in carbs, and as you have identified, they spike your blood sugar. Some people can eat certain types of cereals, some can get back to eating certain carbs once they gain very tight control, but most can’t. It does depend on the individual.
If you’re one of the unlucky ones, learn to enjoy the alternatives, there are plenty of them!
My hubby used to love his breakfast, he had value cornflakes, 1/2 tsp sugar, milk, then toast, followed by a yoghurt drink. He had to give all this up, obviously, and now has Tesco Value Porridge Oats with blueberries and he really enjoys it.
The Diabetes Associations from the US., UK.,and here in Canada say the range should be 4-7.
As to cereal I eat shredded wheat and for a hot cereal, oat bran. Bread, I’ve found the “thin” sliced whole wheat brand at 7 grams of carbs per slice. Eat a lot of salads,and when I have a burger, LOL,I use a lettuce leaf for a bun. Zuchiinni can be made into a reasonable facsimile of spaghetti. The adjustment in food intake goes on and on. This am I’m at 5.3 and I check it 3-4 times a week.
I’m on 500mg of Metformin, my doc tells me to split the pill and take half in the morning and half at night.
If I’m having a “bad food day” I’ll split one of the halves and take the extra 125mg, my doc is aware of what I
do
4-7 is the diabetic range Brewster, as Beth pointed out above it varies depending on each individuals goals. But normal/healthy glucose levels are lower (70-100 (3.9/4-5.6, max 6) and if you can, your goal is to get back to “normal”, or as close to as possible.
One of the sites does mention that, the other two are flat out 4-7. The independent lab I go to says 3-6. My Dr. agrees with the 4-7 and says to stay around 6. On July 8th I was in the hospital on another issue , around midnight they did a full blood scan, my sugar was 5.1
Everyone is an expert.
Yesterday was a bad food day, as is every weekend. Toast and a full breakfast. Out at lunch, an egg salad on white sandwich. For dinner taco’s and sugar free apple pie for dessert.
This am, I’m 5.7, I’ll be low 5’s all week.
Well 6 is ideal because that’s the ‘normal’ range. And you’re doing an awesome job with your levels and health Brewster. You’re motivated and really aware of what you eat and your numbers and that’s the most important thing!
And as you can see, if you in good control most of the time, even when you have a “bad” food day, your body isn’t reacting all too bad overall.
Unfortunately, I have found, as Jedha mentioned that cereal is notorious for spiking blood sugar levels. There are many dimensions to this–for one, they are high in carbs to begin with. Secondly, most of them aren’t particularly high in fiber (ie rice and corn based) and the ones that are are generally high in sugar since they taste bad plain (hence the ‘healthy sounding’ granolas, clusters, bunches etc or even Raisin Bran). Third, they are most typically consumed with other simple sugars (such as fruit, toast/jelly, juice…) and Fourth, they are highly processed-something called “extrusion” which puffs them up and exposes more & more surface area than the normal grain itself which results in a higher GI. Your best bet on cereal is oats or oat bran (without added sugar or fruit) which are high in fiber, low processed, don’t have added sugar, and have a lower GI. Since they are still high in carbs, add some peanut butter or almonds, or even an egg to your bowl to add some healthy protein & fat & might slow it down. I also love adding cinnamon for flavor & a sweet essence without sugar. Give it a shot and see how well you like it & if it doesn’t have the same effect, perhaps you can keep your cereal! (https://diabetesmealplans.com/8167/is-oatmeal-good-for-diabetics/)