When diagnosing diabetes, the doctor usually requests several tests, starting with a fasting blood sugar test and two hours after a meal. He may also request a cumulative blood sugar test and a urine picture. If the patient has already been diagnosed with diabetes, the doctor will ask him to follow up on his sugar measurements regularly. Therefore, some people often wonder about the normal blood sugar level after eating, which is what we answer in this article.
Normal blood sugar level after eating?
Your blood sugar level rises immediately after eating.
However, if the person is diabetic and does not receive any treatment, the blood sugar level does not return to the pre-meal level on its own, and the blood sugar level remains high two hours after eating, so blood glucose measurements differ in a normal person from a diabetic patient.
The normal postprandial blood sugar level depends on the person’s condition, age, and whether or not he is a diabetic and is being treated with insulin, or if she is a pregnant woman. However, there are rates Normal sugar level For all previous cases.
Knowing the normal blood sugar level after eating helps to understand the nature of the diet and the foods that a person should eat or limit.
The following is the normal blood sugar level after eating in different cases (mg/dL):
- Adults without diabetes: 90-140 two hours after eating.
- Adults with diabetes: Less than 180 two hours after eating.
- Adults with diabetes who get insulin injections before meals: Less than 180 two hours after eating.
- Children and adolescents under 18 years of age with diabetes: Less than 200 mg/dL one hour after eating, and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating.
The normal blood sugar level after eating also varies according to the timing of measurement as follows:
- Normal blood sugar level immediately after eating: 170-200 mg/dL.
- Normal blood sugar level three hours after eating: 120-140 mg/dL.
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What is the normal blood sugar level after eating for a pregnant woman?
During pregnancy, some pregnant women may develop high blood sugar levels.
If a woman develops gestational diabetes, it does not mean that she had diabetes before pregnancy or will develop it afterward.
The doctor asks the pregnant woman to measure her blood sugar level for early diagnosis in the event of gestational diabetes and to control her glucose level.
The following is the normal blood sugar level for a pregnant woman:
- Pregnant women who do not suffer from diabetes: 70-110 mg/dL.
- Normal blood sugar two hours after eating for a woman who does not suffer from diabetes: 70-126 mg/dL.
- HbA1c for pregnant women during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy: Less than 6.5%.
- Cumulative blood sugar (HbA1c) for pregnant women during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy: Less than 5.6%.
- Pregnant adults with gestational diabetes: Less than 140 mg/dL one hour after eating, and 120 two hours after eating.
- Pregnant adults with pre-existing type 1 or 2 diabetes: Less than 110-140 mg/dL one hour after eating, and less than 100-120 two hours after eating.
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Normal blood sugar after eating for children
Sugar levels vary in children, as blood sugar levels in healthy children range between 70 and 150 mg/dL.
Normal postprandial blood sugar is usually higher after a meal and lower after intense exercise.
Normal blood sugar levels in children vary depending on their age as follows:
Children from one day to five years old:
- Normal fasting blood sugar range: 100 mg/dL.
- Normal blood sugar after eating for children: 180-200 mg/dL.
Children from 5-11 years:
- Normal fasting blood sugar range: 70 mg/dL.
- Normal blood sugar level two hours after eating: 150 mg/dL.
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Normal blood sugar level table
In order for the picture to become clearer, learn with us the following table of normal blood sugar levels so that it will be a guide for you to know the normal levels of blood sugar at different times of eating:
| Timing of the test | Normal blood sugar (mg per deciliter) |
| Fasting from food for 8 hours | The normal blood sugar level should range between 70 to 90. |
| Two hours after eating | The normal blood sugar level is less than 140. |
| Random test | The normal blood sugar level does not exceed 200. |
The most important factors that affect the level of blood sugar after eating
There are many different factors that affect the high blood sugar level in people with diabetes, especially type 1, and it must be maintained at normal levels, as neglecting diabetes leads to serious health consequences. Among the factors that affect the postprandial sugar level are the following:
- Not taking enough insulin or any of the diabetes medications you are taking.
- Not injecting insulin correctly or taking expired insulin.
- Inactivity and lack of exercise, and you can walk for only five minutes after eating.
- Emotional stress, constant anxiety, work pressure, and other psychological factors play a major role in raising blood sugar levels.
- Suffering from a disease or infection and taking some medications such as steroids.
- Injury or surgery.
- Not monitoring blood sugar level continuously.
- Not following a balanced nutritional plan, as food is one of the most common causes of blood sugar levels exceeding normal limits.
When does blood sugar reach its highest level after eating?
When an individual eats a meal, especially one that contains carbohydrates, it is normal for a temporary rise in sugar levels to occur before the insulin produced by the body immediately begins working to lower this rise.
For someone with type 1 diabetes, whose body cannot produce insulin, the sugar spike is higher and lasts longer.
The timing of when your postprandial blood sugar peaks varies from person to person and from meal to meal, however, on average, postprandial blood sugar usually reaches its peak within 1 hour and 15 minutes after you start eating.
How to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals
There are many important tips that help control blood sugar levels after eating, including:
- Choose healthy carbohydrates while eating, adding fiber to reduce sudden blood sugar spikes.
- It is preferable to eat carbohydrates with protein and fat, as this helps reduce the possibility of high blood sugar after eating.
- The appropriate timing for obtaining insulin is one of the most effective methods, so doctors always advise taking insulin half an hour before eating, as this is an ideal time.
- Water is your constant friend, so you should drink sufficient amounts of water throughout the day.
- Practicing physical activity daily for a period ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, and one of the most important exercises is walking.
- Stop smoking, staying up late, and drinking alcohol.
- You should learn with stress and tension as they are among the reasons that result in raised blood sugar levels.
In the end, if you are diabetic, we advise you to record in your own notebook the normal blood sugar level after eating, during fasting, and the normal random blood sugar level. Your blood sugar must be measured on a daily basis, and your measurements should be compared to the normal levels. If your glucose is higher than these levels or very low, do not hesitate to see your doctor immediately either to change the type of treatment or to adjust the doses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the normal sugar level in the device?
The normal sugar level in the device ranges from 70 to 90 mg per deciliter if you have not eaten for 8 hours before measuring the sugar. As for the normal sugar level in the device two hours after eating, it should not record more than 140 mg per deciliter.
What is the correct blood sugar reading?
In order to get the correct blood sugar reading, you must go to a specialist doctor and learn how to take a blood sample on the blood sugar strip and the correct times at which you should measure your blood sugar. It is preferable to wait at least two hours after eating.
On which finger is blood sugar measured?
One of the most popular fingers used to measure blood sugar is the middle or ring finger, as it is called, and it is the most popular, followed by the little or pinky finger. It is necessary to change the finger constantly so that the patient does not feel pain from frequently measuring sugar.
How do I know if my blood sugar is high or low without a device?
You can know whether your blood sugar level is high or low without a device by the symptoms that appear on you. For example, low blood sugar causes tremors, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness, while high blood sugar causes frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, blurry vision, and severe dryness in the mouth.
How much blood sugar is normal for a non-infected person?
The normal sugar level for a non-affected person varies depending on the time of measurement. The normal blood sugar level after 8 hours of fasting is from 70 to 90 mg per deciliter, while the normal blood sugar level after eating should be less than 140 mg per deciliter.
Does the type of food affect the duration of the high blood sugar?
Yes, the type of food that is eaten is among the reasons that directly affect high blood sugar. Therefore, attention must be paid to the quality of food because there are some foods that directly cause a rise in diabetes, such as simple carbohydrates, eating sugary foods, sweets, and foods that contain unhealthy fats. Therefore, one should eat vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and use healthy fats and low-fat dairy products.
Does walking reduce blood sugar after eating?
Yes, several recent studies presented by the University of California have revealed that walking short distances after eating has an important role in regulating blood sugar levels, and gradually slows down the absorption of glucose within 60 to 90 minutes of eating a meal. However, it is also necessary to eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber with simple carbohydrates, and to exercise regularly in order to reduce sugar levels.
Medical references
This information was based on:
