Post Time: 2025-09-01
Understanding Blood Sugar Spikes: What to Do When Your Levels Are High Before a Meal
When it comes to managing blood sugar levels, one of the most critical factors is how your body responds before meals. A reading of 150 mg/dL before a meal can be concerning for many individuals, especially those living with diabetes or prediabetes.
Blood Sugar Range: Causes and Consequences
A high blood sugar reading before a meal can have several causes. It could be due to consuming too much carbohydrates without balancing it with protein or healthy fats, not getting enough physical activity, or experiencing stress. Additionally, certain medications such as steroids and some antidepressants can raise blood glucose levels.
The Impact of Carbohydrate Intake on Blood Sugar
Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy. However, consuming large amounts without considering their glycemic index (GI) can lead to a significant spike in blood sugar. Foods with high GI values, such as white bread and sugary drinks, cause glucose levels to rise rapidly.
A study found that women who consumed low-GI carbohydrates had lower fasting insulin levels compared to those eating high-GI carbs [1]. This highlights the importance of selecting the right types of carbohydrates when managing blood sugar.
Managing Blood Sugar Through Diet
The type and quantity of food can significantly impact blood glucose levels. Incorporating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, helps slow down digestion and absorption rates. A diet high in soluble fiber reduces postprandial (after meal) glucose peaks [2].
Fatty fish like salmon is an excellent choice due to its omega-3 fatty acids that help lower inflammation associated with insulin resistance.
The Role of Exercise in Managing Blood Sugar
Regular physical activity can significantly improve blood sugar control. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activities each week [3]. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is particularly beneficial due to its efficiency and long-term health benefits.
Physical inactivity increases the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by up to 45% according to a meta-analysis on physical activity and prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine [4].
The Importance of Sleep for Blood Sugar Regulation
Sleep plays an often-overlooked role in blood sugar management. Lack thereof leads to hormonal imbalances that can raise glucose levels.
Inadequate sleep significantly impacts glucose tolerance, leading to increased fasting and postprandial insulin levels [5]. It's recommended to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night for optimal health.
By adopting these lifestyle modifications—eating the right foods, getting regular exercise, managing stress effectively, and ensuring quality rest—you can better manage your blood sugar levels. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes.
Episode 5: In this episode of Plant-Based Kidney Health, we signs of low blood sugar in the morning talk about how diabetes can affect kidney health. We discuss the relationship between diabetes and kidney function, the connection between high blood sugar levels and kidney disease progression, and how to address kidney-related diabetes health risks. 0:00 Intro 3:25 Link between diabetes and kidney disease 4:40 How does sugar damage the kidneys 6:00 Difference between Type vs Type 2 diabetes 8:24 How blood sugar 156 after eating well controlled should blood sugar be to prevent kidney damage? 11:08 Why does a diabetic diet contradict a renal diet? 14:55 Biggest myths around diabetes and renal diet? 17:08 Complex versus refined carbs and added sugar vs sugar in fruit. 19:45 Insulin resistance and plant-based diets 26:24 Tips and tricks for making the transition to eating more plants in diabetics Connect with us: Sean Hashmi, MD, MS, FASN Michele Crosmer, RD CSR Disclaimer The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional does testosterone affect blood sugar or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.