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Blood sugar spikes can occur within hours after eating. Learn how to control blood sugar spikes after eating your meals.

What are blood sugar spikes? 

Blood sugar spikes are called postprandial spikes. These spikes are temporary in nature and occur soon after you eat a meal.

Blood sugar rises after eating a meal, but it can sometimes spike too much. This potentially leads to serious diabetes-related health problems. The ideal goal for blood sugar level two hours after eating a meal is under 180 mg/dl. The site Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) explains that the combination of slower insulin and faster food in the body can cause blood sugar to spike “absurdly high” and then to sharply drop after the mealtime insulin takes effect.

Controlling the blood sugar spikes 

It is possible to control blood sugar spikes after meals. First, watch what you eat at mealtime. Stay away from the bowl of mashed potatoes with butter and gravy and choose the bowl of salad.

Do not skip breakfast. People who have diabetes that skip breakfast may experience blood sugar spikes after they eat meals later in the day.

Time your exercise. Go for a walk after eating dinner. The best timing for exercising after a meal varies from one person to another person. Ask your doctor about the ideal time for you to exercise after meals.

Measure the spikes. Keep a record of your blood sugar spikes. Take your record with you when you go to the doctor. If the spikes occur more frequently or are very high, contact the doctor rather than wait until your next appointment.