What Is a Sugar Spike When You Have Diabetes?

When you have diabetes, which can be a long-term condition, your body cannot make enough insulin or your body does not respond appropriately to insulin. The insulin normally takes the glucose from the food you eat and converts it to energy. However, when you have diabetes, the glucose does not change into energy and thus your blood glucose is affected.

HbA1c test

• An HbA1c test measures your blood glucose levels over an approximately 3-month period. A 7-percent HbA1c result typically indicates that your blood sugar is controlled.

Spikes

• A spike, or postprandial hyperglycemia, occurs when your blood glucose levels increase shortly after eating snacks or meals, according to Diabetes Self-Management.

Considerations

• Spikes in your blood glucose levels after meals are normal and typically occur about an hour after you finish eating.

Levels

• According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), after you eat, your blood glucose levels should be less than 180 mg/dL.

Warning

• Consult your doctor if you encounter constantly dramatic spikes--much higher than 180 mg/dL. This could cause your HbA1c results to be higher and puts you at risk for diabetes complications.