What Causes Sudden Elevation Of Insulin Levels In The Body After Eating?

Posted on Fri, 19 Aug 2016

Question: My question is about diabetes. I am confused about sugar spikes. My fasting numbers are always below 99 on my tester, however as soon as I eat anything it will go high. Sometimes above 200 over the next 2 hours. (doesn't stay over 200 for long) Usually it is down to less than 120 within 2 hours of the meal. Is that a spike and how dangerous is it. I eat low carbs and have lost over 30 pounds in 4 months. I stand 5' 7" and only weigh 114 now. Also, my Hematocrit is about 49 and my Hemoglobin is 16.3. My red blood cells were up but now they have come down. I am being told as long as my fasting is under 99, I have no worries. Is this correct or do I need further testing?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
First, it's correct that since fasting sugars are normal, you need not worry much.
Second, sugars are bound to rise if you eat something. It's a normal phenomenon. So that's also ok especially since they return to normal within 2 hours.
Having said that the spikes are not supposed to be good. I would suģgest avoiding high sugar or protein diets and complex carbohydrates like corn flakes. These are known as high glycemic index foods and need to be avoided in diabetics.
Meet a local dietician for a fòod chart in Accordance to the local community and your personal preference for food.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (16 minutes later)

Actually I do eat only low GL foods. I am not much for eating any type of cookies, candies or processed sugars. That is the part I do not understand. I check my sugar every 15 minutes to see the spikes. Would going to 200 after eating a normal low GL meal be considered normal? The dr says I am not diabetic and not to worry but as I said, he doesn't want to discuss anything except the fasting levels. We have many strokes in our family which is why I am so concerned. Does the sugar have to be back to under 100 2 hours later?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I would suggest testing HbA1C.
This, if high would mean you need treatment.
And 2 hours after food is supposed to be less than 140-150, Not 100.
But I would still suggest meeting a dietician, because that is what may help the maximum. There may be small changes that may be needed which may not be possibly discussed on this forum.
And if you are worried about stroke, I would suggest testing a C V Doppler and Echocardiography as well.
Best of luck, Dr Mittal

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar