Blood sugar (glucose) levels before and after eating typically follow these patterns:
- Before a meal (fasting or pre-meal): Normal blood sugar levels are generally between 70 to 130 mg/dL for adults without diabetes. For people with diabetes, the target is usually within this range as well.
- After eating (postprandial, about 1-2 hours after starting a meal): Blood sugar levels peak within an hour after eating and should ideally be under 140 mg/dL for non-diabetics and under 180 mg/dL for those with diabetes. After about 2 hours, blood sugar should return to near pre-meal levels.
Specifics vary by age and health status, for example:
- Children and teenagers have slightly different target ranges.
- Pregnant women with diabetes have stricter control targets.
- People with well-managed diabetes usually keep post-meal sugar below 180 mg/dL.
Factors such as the type of food eaten (carbohydrates, fiber, fat content), meal composition, physical activity after eating, and individual metabolism affect these levels. In summary, blood sugar levels rise after food intake but should return to baseline within about 2 hours, with target ranges depending on age, pregnancy, and diabetes status. This information is based on clinical guidelines from sources including the American Diabetes Association and recent medical literature.
