Blood sugar spike of 276 mg/dL after lunch signals risk for diabetes complications: experts

A post-meal blood sugar reading of 276 mg/dL just one hour after eating is considered significantly high and can indicate poor glucose control, according to medical professionals.

Such spikes can lead to acute endothelial dysfunction — a condition in which blood vessels become stiff, inflamed, and prone to dangerous clot formation.

These sharp rises in glucose levels, known as glycaemic variability, are increasingly recognised as being as harmful as sustained high blood sugar.

Frequent post-meal surges can accelerate the progression of diabetes complications and raise the risk of cardiovascular events, kidney damage, and stroke.

Experts recommend that one-hour post-meal blood sugar should ideally remain below 160 mg/dL. Persistent readings above this level may suggest that the body is struggling to process carbohydrates effectively and that current treatment may be inadequate to control post-meal spikes.

Regular monitoring is advised to get a clearer picture of glucose control, following a structured pattern:

Day 1: Fasting and two hours after breakfast

Day 2: Before lunch and two hours after lunch

Day 3: Before dinner and two hours after dinner

An HbA1c test, which shows the average blood sugar over the past two to three months, is also considered an essential marker for long-term management.

Lifestyle adjustments can help reduce post-meal spikes, including avoiding high-sugar and refined carbohydrates, limiting processed foods and heavy meals, and prioritising whole grains, fibre-rich vegetables, and lean proteins.

These changes, alongside consistent monitoring and appropriate medical management, are key to stabilising blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of complications.