Blood Sugar Levels After Eating

Blood sugar levels is the amount of sugar or glucose present in the blood stream of humans or animals. Glucose makes its way into the bloodstream with the carbohydrates, which one eats. Glucose is the primary source of energy required for body cells and blood lipids. They are actually a compact energy store. Glucose is transported from the intestines or liver to the cells in the body via the bloodstream. Normally the body is able to maintain the blood glucose level in the normal range. The glucose levels are regulated by insulin and glucagon. Insulin is the hormone, which is produced by the pancreas and are released into the bloodstream, when the blood sugar levels rise. It is natural, that the blood sugar levels are higher after eating than the normal blood sugar levels or blood sugar levels before eating.

What is Normal Blood Sugar Levels After Eating

To know the healthy blood sugar range after eating, it is important, we know what is the average blood sugar levels. The mean normal blood sugar levels in humans is 72 mg/dL (milligrams/deciliter) to 150 mg/dL. However, this levels keeps changing all through the day. The blood sugar levels are at its lowest, on waking up in the morning, before the first meal of the day. This blood sugar level is called the 'fasting level'. The fasting blood glucose test is conducted after eight hours of fasting. The blood sugar level after eating is taken 2 hours after the meal and is known as postprandial. On the other hand, the blood sugar taken at any time of the day is known as random or casual.

If the blood sugar levels are consistently above 150 mg/dL are an indicator of hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Whereas, blood sugar levels, which are consistently below 70 mg/dL are an indicator hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. From this discussion, it is clear that the acceptable glucose levels after eating lie in the range of 70 mg/dL and 150 mg/dL. The fasting blood sugar level falls in between the range of 70 mg/dL and 99 mg/dL. The blood sugar levels are measured 2 hours after eating. The normal blood glucose ranges anywhere between 70 mg/dL and 145 mg/dL. Blood sugar levels after consuming sugar may be a little on the higher side.

When a person is assessed for high blood sugar levels before or after eating, there are certain parameters, which are taken into consideration. The blood tests are carried out two times on different days. A person is said to be diabetic, if the fasting blood sugar level is 126 mg/dL or higher, the blood sugar tests after eating show 200 mg/dL or higher and the random blood glucose levels are also at 200 mg/dL. On the other hand, if the fasting blood glucose level is in the range of 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL on two different occasions, they are said to be prediabetes blood sugar levels and the chances of getting diabetes are said to be higher.

The low blood sugar levels before or after eating or otherwise is an indicator of hypoglycemia. If the fasting glucose level is below 40 mg/dL in women and below 50 mg/dL in men, then it means, that the blood sugar levels are low.

Before you do the blood sugar levels after eating or fasting or random, you will have to ensure, that you do not do any heavy exercises before the blood sugar test is conducted. It is also important to note, that you should also keep perfect mental and physical health and have no illnesses at the time of taking the test, as it can alter the results of the test. If you are on insulin injection or insulin tablets, do not take them before the test as it can affect the blood glucose level.