If you're trying to manage your diabetes, you know it's important to monitor your blood sugar levels. But how do you handle a spike that appears after eating? This is called postprandial blood glucose, and with a few simple steps, you can control it and help avoid health problems. When your blood sugar level is high, you may experience symptoms like confusion, difficulty concentrating, or thinking clearly. Your energy can also drop, and you may feel nervous or moody. If your levels drop too low, you could even faint. In the long term, if your blood sugar level remains high, you could be at risk for heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, or other problems. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends measuring your blood sugar levels just before eating with a blood sample taken from a finger prick. Then do it again 1 to 2 hours after the first bite of food. Continue this for about a week. Note the time and the amount (number) of blood sugar. Take note of anything you think might affect your levels, such as medications or exercise. And don't forget to record exactly what you ate, along with portion sizes and the amount of carbohydrates. What level is too high after a meal? Experts disagree on what the number should be, but the ADA says a general blood sugar level should be below 180 mg/dL, 1 to 2 hours after a meal. Talk to your doctor about what the right level is for you and don't adjust your medication without consulting your doctor first. Get medications that work for you. The right insulin or medication program can make a big difference. In general, to cover post-meal spikes, those that act quickly and for a short period are a better option than those that act slowly over a long period. Your doctor can explain your options. Keep your blood sugar level under control before meals. That way, even if it rises after eating, it won't be as dramatic. Watch what you eat. Limit sweets, white bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes as they often cause spikes after meals. The type of fat you consume can also influence. A study shows that it is possible to curb blood sugar spikes after eating if foods high in butter are omitted and instead a meal made with a little olive oil is chosen. Have breakfast every morning. Even when you're in a hurry to leave, don't be tempted to skip breakfast. A study shows that people with diabetes who skip breakfast have higher blood sugar spikes after lunch and dinner. The ideal breakfast? It could simply be one that is high in protein. A small study shows that when people ate a 500-calorie breakfast with 35% protein, their blood sugar levels after meals were lower than those who started the day with high-carb foods. But check with your doctor to see what's best for you. Go for a walk after dinner. It's a healthy habit for everyone, but if you have diabetes, it's also a good way to burn off excess glucose from a meal.