My sugar level is high after meals, what should I track and do next in India?

Experiencing high blood sugar levels after meals can be concerning. Understanding what to track and how to respond can help you manage your diabetes effectively. What this means High blood sugar after meals, also known as postprandial hyperglycemia, indicates that your body is not processing the carbohydrates from your food efficiently. This can be influenced by your diet, medication, physical activity, and even the timing of your meals. Consistent high post-meal readings can impact your overall diabetes management. (WHO, NIDDK) What to observe or prepare To understand why your blood sugar is high after meals, start tracking specific details: 1. Blood Glucose Readings: Monitor your blood sugar before meals and then 1-2 hours after the start of your meal. Record the exact time of the reading. 2. Meal Details: Note down everything you eat, including portion sizes. Be specific about common Indian foods like roti, rice, dal, sabzi, and sweets. Also, record the time you started and finished your meal. 3. Physical Activity: Document any physical activity you do, including type, duration, and time, especially if it's around meal times. 4. Medication/Insulin: Record the type, dose, and timing of your diabetes medications or insulin injections relative to your meals. 5. Symptoms: Note any symptoms you experience, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue. What not to assume Do not assume that high post-meal readings mean your current medication is entirely ineffective or that you need to drastically cut out all carbohydrates. Also, avoid making changes to your medication dosage or type without consulting your doctor. Self-adjusting can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) or other complications. (PMC: Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes) When to seek help If you consistently observe high blood sugar levels after meals despite tracking and making minor adjustments to your diet or activity, it's time to consult your endocrinologist or diabetes care team. They can review your tracking data, assess your current treatment plan, and make necessary adjustments. (PMC: Challenges of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management From...) What you can do next Start diligently tracking your blood sugar levels, meal details, and activity as described above. Compile this information in a logbook or a digital app. This detailed record will be invaluable for your doctor to understand your patterns and guide your treatment effectively during your next consultation. You can then schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your findings. Sources: * World Health Organization (WHO). Diabetes. https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes (https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes) * National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance) * Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2022. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9510507/ (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9510507/) * Challenges of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management From the Perspective of Patients and Healthcare Providers: A Qualitative Study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650573/ (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650573/)