It's normal for blood sugar levels to rise after eating, as your body converts carbohydrates into glucose. Adults with diabetes may see their blood sugar level rise as much as 90 mg/dL after meals. According to the National Insttiutes of Health, before eating, a normal glucose reading should be between 90 and 130 mg/dL. One to two hours after eating, your glucose level should be below 180 mg/dL as insulin helps move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells for use as energy.
The Dangers of High Blood Glucose
Chronic high blood sugar is associated with serious health consequences, including kidney failure, loss of vision and nerve damage. Left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to a potentially fatal diabetic coma, called ketoacidosis. Symptoms of high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, include dry mouth, thirst, frequent urination, shortness of breath and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, check your blood sugar levels. You may need to take additional insulin or diabetes medication. If your glucose levels are above 240 mg/dL, test for ketones in your urine. Ketones indicate your body is burning fat, not glucose, for energy. Speak to your doctor, as ketoacidosis often requires hospitalization.
Testing Your Blood Glucose Levels
Test your glucose levels before eating. A normal range for diabetics is between 90 and 130 mg/dL. Your blood sugar levels should be lower than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating. If high glucose persists, it may be caused by eating too many carbohydrates, not taking enough insulin, not exercising, illness or stress. Four hours after eating, glucose levels should return to pre-meal levels and you should be ready to eat again.
Lowering Your Blood Glucose Levels
The quality, as well as quantity, of carbohydrates you eat affect your glucose levels. Eat carbs low on the glycemic index to slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. Choosing non-starchy vegetables, fruit and whole grains, rather than potatoes and refined sugars and white bread will help to stabilize your glucose level. Exercising for 10 to 20 minutes after eating will also quickly lower your blood sugar. Medications such as Metformin, Prandase, Acarbose, Repaglinide and Natiglinide can also lower glucose levels, but should only be used in conjunction with healthy diet and lifestyle choices.
Monitoring Your Blood Glucose Levels
Tracking your blood sugar levels is the most important tool you have to keep your diabetes under control. Check your glucose levels soon after you wake up for a fasting glucose reading, before and after eating and before bed. Make note of any special circumstances, especially illness or emotional trauma, which can raise your blood sugar levels. Look for patterns of hypo- or hyper-glycemia, note your symptoms, the duration and the steps you took to stabilize your glucose level. Adjustments to your treatment program should only be made after discussion with your doctor.
