The 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.

Comments

Comments ( 6 )

anonymous wrote:

I wish someone could explain why the blood sugar readings vary as much as 40 points from one finger or one hand to the other. How can you determine which is correct. It's very frustrating!

3/2/2010 12:00:06 PM Report Abuse

anonymous wrote:

How come blood readings are higher when getting up in the morning than in middle of the day , my a1c is 6.0 is that ok

3/1/2010 09:21:36 PM Report Abuse

milagrossantana wrote:

Mom has recently been prescribed a new medication which believe is causing her blood glucose to come down. I have been monitoring several times daily, but the worst time is at night. I have been giving her small snacks but I need new ideas. I have given her peanut on graham crackers, turkey sandwich, some fruits, what can you suggest. She will been on this med for 12 days. Thanks, Millie

1/22/2010 11:56:22 AM Report Abuse

BrownsRnF wrote:

Hum, I was told to check my BS 30 min. before a meal. I guess they are saying that checking 2 hours after a meal lets you know how your body responds after meals also. Great advice~!!

12/2/2009 05:45:32 PM Report Abuse

matthewh227 wrote:

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 Abuse