November is American Diabetes Month! Each week this month we will be blogging about topics related to diabetes.

Did you miss the past two posts?

Click here to read about the relationship between sleep and diabetes.
Click here to read about some basics of diabetes and the link between gastroparesis & diabetes.

 

This week we are discussing high blood sugar readings that occur after meals. According to the American Diabetes Association, a general goal for blood glucose levels one to two hours after a meal is under 180mg/dl.  The following tips can help you reach this goal:

1. Count Calories

Monitor your calorie and carbohydrate intake for about a week. This will help you determine if you are eating more than you had previously thought and bring awareness to consuming correct portion sizes.

2. Eat high-fiber foods

High fiber foods such as beans, whole grains, and some vegetables can help blunt blood sugar increases and maintain a healthy weight.

3. Take enough insulin

Discuss with your provider to ensure that your insulin dose is adequate, based on the number of carbohydrate grams you are consuming. Also ask your provider about calculating a correction dose when that may be necessary.

4. Take a 30-minute walk after eating

Exercising after a meal can help people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes lower their blood glucose after a meal.

Source:
(2012, June) Monitoring Food Science. Diabetes Forecast. 28-31.