Sugar levels are usually checked after fasting for at least eight hours and also immediately after eating. Read on, to know what should be the normal blood sugar levels after eating. Scroll down and take a look at the chart that describes the prescribed levels at various time periods.
A lot of energy is required to perform our daily activities, and glucose is the main source of energy. Abnormal levels of glucose in the blood can result in serious health complications. Generally, the glucose levels are checked twice or thrice before arriving at any conclusion. The results vary throughout the day, especially before and after having meals.
Sugar Levels in Blood
The glucose level checked after an eight hour fast (generally overnight) is known as fasting sugar level. If checked two hours after having a meal it is known as postprandial sugar levels. Those tested any time during the day are called random sugar levels. The normal fasting sugar level for men is 70 – 100 mg/dL (milligram per deciliter). For men, the level after eating is 70 – 140 mg/dL. Glucose levels for men are usually below 70 – 125 mg/dL when tested randomly. The normal levels for women after eating are around 135 to 140 mg/dL and normal fasting sugar levels for women are 70 to 140 mg/dL. There can be a sudden rise in the sugar levels after eating. This may go up to 180 mg/dL within one hour. You might be surprised to discover that those who have normal fasting sugar levels may have high blood sugar levels after eating. The condition wherein elevated levels are noticed is known as hyperglycemia while low levels indicate hypoglycemia. The following charts will explain what the normal, low, and high blood glucose levels are.
Normal Sugar Levels
| Blood Sugar Level | Kids | Adults |
| Normal | 70 – 100 mg/dL | 70 – 140 mg/dL |
| Low | Below 70 mg/dL | Below 70 mg/dL |
| High | Over 140 mg/dL | Over 180 mg/dL |
Low Sugar Levels
| Blood Sugar Levels | Readings (mg/dL) |
| Normal | 70 – 140 |
| Hypoglycemia (Initial Stage) | Below 70 |
| Hypoglycemia (Fasting) | 50 |
| Insulin Shock | Less than 50 |
High Sugar Levels Before and After Eating
| Blood Sugar Levels | Fasting Values (mg/dL) | Post Meal Value: 2 hrs after the Meal (mg/dL) |
| Normal | 70 – 100 | Less than 140 |
| Early Diabetes | 101 – 126 | 140 – 200 |
| Established Diabetes | More than 126 | More than 200 |
Normal Sugar Levels One Hour after Eating
To conclude, we can say that the normal levels after eating should be less than 140 mg/dL. Most people have less than 100 mg/dL. Studies show that normal blood sugar levels after eating high-carb meals may rise to about 125 mg/dL for a brief period. The highest reading can be generally noticed 45 minutes after eating and then the levels again come down below 100 mg/dL. Another ‘post-challenge glucose test’, may be advised by your doctor. You will be given some glucose (generally 75 mg), in liquid form and after 30 – 60 minutes, a blood sample will be taken. This test helps detect ‘impaired glucose tolerance’ (IGT), and ‘impaired fasting glucose’ (IFG), which are commonly known as prediabetes. Sometimes, high or low postprandial blood glucose levels are detected even in people who don’t have diabetes or prediabetes. Studies show that people who have excess fat around the belly and high blood pressure; and whose sugar level are over 155 mg/dL when measured with the help of one hour glucose tolerance test, are more likely to develop diabetes.
Insulin, made by the pancreas plays an important role in controlling blood glucose. These days, handy glucose monitors are easily available in the market. Although they are not as accurate as lab tests, the results can still be effectively used. Regular checkups help avoid health complications. Alcohol abuse, smoking, excessive consumption of caffeine, excessive stress, wrong diet, certain medicines, and certain illnesses can cause ill effects. Diabetic diet and regular exercise can help maintain the blood sugar levels after eating within the normal range.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.