After eating, normal blood sugar levels for most healthy individuals should be up to about 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) two hours after the meal
. Blood sugar typically peaks around 1 hour after eating and then returns to near fasting levels within 2 to 3 hours
. Here are typical target ranges after eating:
- Healthy adults without diabetes: Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after eating
- Adults with diabetes: Generally aim for blood sugar under 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) 1-2 hours after meals, with some variation depending on diabetes type and individual treatment plans
- Children and adolescents with diabetes: Usually under 180 mg/dL after meals
- Pregnant women with diabetes: Stricter targets, such as under 140 mg/dL one hour after eating and under 120 mg/dL two hours after
Blood sugar levels above 140 mg/dL two hours after eating in non-diabetics can indicate impaired glucose tolerance or prediabetes, and levels above 200 mg/dL are generally considered high and may indicate diabetes
. In summary, a post-meal blood sugar level up to 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is considered normal for most healthy people, while people with diabetes have higher target ranges, usually under 180 mg/dL after meals
. Monitoring timing is important, with measurements commonly taken 1-2 hours after starting a meal to capture peak glucose levels
