After eating, it's normal for your blood sugar levels to rise and fall, especially after consuming carbohydrates. However, what matters most is the overall shape of your blood sugar curve over time.
A healthy blood sugar response typically involves:
A smaller and more gradual rise
A quick return to baseline levels
Little to no dip below baseline before stabilising
On the other hand, an unhealthy response often includes:
A bigger rise
A longer time to return to baseline
A dip below baseline before stabilising
While monitoring your blood sugar levels, pay attention to the overall shape of your curve, the range between your highest and lowest readings, your fasting glucose, and the time it takes for your blood sugar to return back to normal after a meal. Also, take note of any crashes or dips below baseline and how they make you feel.
Remember, a rise in blood sugar after eating is normal and expected. The goal is to reduce the frequency of drastic swings over time, not to eliminate rises altogether.
Please note:
ZOE is a nutritional science company. We are not able to diagnose any medical conditions or advise on what this means for your healthcare. If you are under care for chronic medical conditions (including type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes), you should consult with your physician for appropriate ranges specific to you.