Normal Blood Glucose Levels After Meal

Blood glucose levels after eating (also known as postprandial sugar levels) is still the family of fasting blood glucose levels.

Logically, normal blood glucose levels after eating will be higher than before meal, depending on the type of food, age, gender or pregnancy. That is why to answer what is a normal blood glucose levels after eating is not a simple matter.

Different Association, Different Normal Blood Glucose Target

Blood glucose target is the highest acceptable blood glucose levels reading for an individual without paying attention to the foods he or she has consumed. Most doctors agree that normal blood glucose levels in 2 hours after eating should be under 100 mg/dL or 120 mg/dL. However, these health associations have their own recommendation.

- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends below 140 mg/dL

- While American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends 180 mg/dL, which is much higher and of course much more risky.

So, the decision is truly yours, what normal blood glucose levels you want to take. But just remember one important thing I always write in almost every post; high blood glucose levels can lead to diabetes and other serious complications (blindness, internal organs damage and amputations).

The Role of Glycemic Index of Foods

Blood glucose levels after eating depends on the glycemic index of foods that we're consumed. Eating low glycemic index food is good while these will not raise blood glucose immediately after eating. The sugar content will gradually absorbed to the bloodstream. So, you'll have sustaining energy and preventing you from feeling of hunger.

Normal Blood Glucose Levels for Kids

As children grow and develop rapidly, their bodies will require more sugar (more energy). So don't be surprised if normal blood glucose levels for children are higher than adults.

- 0-5 years old kids, normal blood sugar levels after meal are 200 mg/dL, while normal fasting blood sugar is around 100 mg/dL

- 5-11 years old kids, normal blood glucose after eating is lower to 150 mg/dL. Fasting glucose levels on this stage should be around 70 mg/dL.

For 12 years and older are essentially the same as for adults.

(see blood sugar levels charts)

The fact that pregnant women need additional energy due to the growing new life is true. However, they should maintain blood glucose levels on the normal range. It should be not more than 140 mg/dL after eating and 120 mg/dL in two hours after having meal.

Pregnant women tend to consume sweets or high calorie and high glycemic foods more than usual. But there's one thing they should pay attention. About 4% of moms-to-be develop gestational diabetes, which increases the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy (cesarean section will be required). That's why, controlling and maintaining their normal blood glucose levels are very essential for pregnant women.