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ShareThe Best Time to Check Blood Glucose After a Meal
Q. I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Should I check my blood glucose two hours from when I start eating or after I finish eating my meal?
A. Most of the food you consume will be digested and raises blood glucose in one to two hours. To capture the peak level of your blood glucose, it is best to test one to two hours after you start eating.
The American Diabetes Association recommends a target of below 180 mg/dl two hours after a meal. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends a lower target: below 140 mg/dl two hours after a meal.
Ask your doctor which target is right for you. Postmeal blood glucose monitoring (and record-keeping) is important because it helps you see how your body responds to carbohydrates in general and particular foods. Managing postmeal blood glucose can help reduce your risk of developing heart and circulation problems.
Virginia Zamudio Lange, a member of Diabetic Living's editorial advisory board, is a founding partner of Alamo Diabetes Team, LLP in San Antonio.
I recently went to the Dr. for a physical and was told my sugar was boderline (117),I was told that i needed to check it for several day so the doctors office gave me 2 two different blood glucose meters my problem is that I get two different readings , one will be 83 or so and the other will be 105 or so is this a common problem?
11/13/2009 10:32:34 AM Report AbuseIs it best to switch locations where you check your glucose? The reason I ask is that some times I will check it in one finger and it reads 116, I don't believe it so I will check it on another finger and reads 106 can you tell me whats going on?
11/10/2009 01:43:27 PM Report Abuse