‘My sugar level is 276 mg/dL an hour after lunch without medicine. I am diabetic taking insulin after dinner. What does it indicate?’ | Health News

“Even brief surges in glucose after eating can trigger what’s called acute endothelial dysfunction. Essentially, it is a condition where your blood vessels become stiff, inflamed, and more prone to forming dangerous clots. These sharp post-meal rises, known as glycaemic variability, are now recognised as just as harmful, if not more than sustained high sugar levels,” said Dr Kovil.

Adding, Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said that a blood sugar level of 276 mg/dL one hour after lunch, even without medicine, is considered quite high. “This indicates that your body is struggling to manage the carbohydrates you’re consuming, and your current treatment may not be sufficient to control post-meal spikes,” said Dr Arora.

Think of your arteries as delicate highways. “Every sugar spike is like a sudden flood, eroding the lining, damaging the road, and increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage over time. Science shows that repeated spikes like this, especially after meals, are linked to faster progression of diabetes complications and even higher rates of cardiovascular death,” said Dr Kovil.

Managing one-hour post-meal sugars is vital. “Aim for values ideally under 160 mg/dL consistently,” said Dr Kovil.

Pay attention to the spike after meals (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

However, a single reading is not enough to make medication changes or treatment decisions. Dr Arora said it’s important to regularly monitor your blood sugar and maintain a detailed chart. You can follow this pattern over a few days to give your doctor a clearer picture:

* Day 1: Fasting and 2 hours after breakfast
* Day 2: Before lunch and 2 hours after lunch
* Day 3: Before dinner and 2 hours after dinner

“In addition to this, you should also get an HbA1c test, which reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. This is a key marker for long-term glucose control,” said Dr Arora.

Consult your doctor with this data so that they can make informed decisions about adjusting your medication or treatment plan.

In the meantime, focus on dietary changes:
* Avoid high-sugar and refined carbohydrate foods
* Limit processed foods and heavy meals
* Emphasise whole grains, fibre-rich vegetables, and lean proteins

These lifestyle modifications, along with regular monitoring, will help stabilize your blood sugar levels more effectively, said Dr Arora.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.