Episode 232- Type 2 & Our Community- Fix Blood Sugar Webinar With Dr. Scott Saunders MD. [343f56]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
Alright, listen up! You think you can just shove food in your face and not think twice about your blood sugar? Think again! Your body is not a garbage disposal, and your blood sugar is definitely not a rollercoaster you want to ride all day. So, let’s get serious about what a normal blood sugar level immediately after eating actually is, and why you should care more than you do about that afternoon slump.
Post-Meal Blood Sugar: The Great Indicator You’re Ignoring
So, you just finished your meal, feeling all smug and satisfied. But what’s happening inside? Your digestive system is breaking down that food into glucose, which then floods into your bloodstream. This is perfectly normal, folks. But how HIGH should that flood get? That’s the million-dollar question.
Here’s the deal: Ideally, two hours after you start eating, your blood sugar should be less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). "Immediately after eating" is a bit trickier because it depends on WHEN you're measuring and WHAT you just ate. But generally, the peak happens around 1-2 hours after starting your meal.
Let's break it down like a professor with a caffeine addiction:
- Fasting Blood Sugar (Before Eating): 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L) – This is your baseline, people! Know this number!
- 1-2 Hours After Eating: Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) – The gold standard. This shows your body is handling sugar like a champ.
- 2+ Hours After Eating: Back to your fasting range or close to it. Your body should be efficiently clearing that glucose.
Table: Decoding Blood Sugar Levels
| Blood Sugar Level (mg/dL) | Category | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 100 (Fasting) | Normal | Keep doing what you're doing (if it's healthy!) |
| 100-125 (Fasting) | Prediabetes | Uh oh, Houston, we have a problem brewing. Time to act! |
| 126 or higher (Fasting) | Diabetes | Doctor, NOW. This isn't a drill! |
| Less than 140 (2-hr post meal) | Normal | Gold star for you! Your body is working well. |
| 140-199 (2-hr post meal) | Prediabetes | Hello again, prediabetes. Still ignoring the signs? |
| 200 or higher (2-hr post meal) | Diabetes | Seriously? Still here? Doctor, remember? |
Don't even THINK about ignoring these numbers! Consistently high blood sugar after meals is a HUGE red flag. It screams insulin resistance and sets you on the highway to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, nerve damage… the whole disastrous package. And trust me, nobody looks good with neuropathy.
Need a Little Backup? Enter the Blood Sugar Supplement Arena (But Choose Wisely!)
Okay, okay, so maybe your blood sugar is spiking higher than you’d like after meals. Before you panic and start living off lettuce and air (bad idea, by the way!), let’s talk about blood sugar supplements. Now, I’m going to be brutally honest here. The supplement industry is a WILD WEST. Tons of products promising miracle cures, and most of them are about as effective as a chocolate teapot.
However! There are some legitimate ingredients that research suggests can help support healthy blood sugar levels. We're not talking about magic pills here, people. These are supplements – meant to supplement a healthy diet and lifestyle, not replace them.
Some of the more promising contenders in the blood sugar supplement ring include:
- Chromium: This mineral is involved in insulin action and glucose metabolism. Some studies show it can improve insulin sensitivity.[1] Just don't expect to suddenly eat cakes all day and have chromium fix everything.
- Cinnamon: Yes, the spice in your grandma’s apple pie! Certain compounds in cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.[2] Sprinkle it liberally, folks! But maybe not directly onto cake.
- Berberine: This compound found in certain plants has shown some impressive results in studies, sometimes even comparable to metformin, a common diabetes drug.[3] But remember, natural doesn’t always mean harmless. Talk to your doctor before diving into this one, especially if you're on medications.
- Gymnema Sylvestre: An herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It's thought to help reduce sugar cravings and support healthy glucose metabolism.[4] Maybe this will help you resist that second slice of… well, you know.
Listen to me very carefully: Supplements are not a free pass to unhealthy eating habits. And they are definitely not a replacement for prescribed diabetes drugs if you need them! Think of them as helpful teammates in your blood sugar management squad, but you still have to be the captain and call the plays (aka, eat right and move your body).
Diabetes Gummies: A Sweet Way to Support Blood Sugar? Hold Your Horses!
Now we’re getting to the fun part, right? Diabetes gummies! Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? Like you can just chew on a tasty gummy and magically solve your blood sugar woes. Well… not exactly.
The idea behind diabetes gummies is to make taking your blood sugar supplement more appealing and convenient. Let’s face it, swallowing pills is nobody's idea of a good time. And if it's more enjoyable, you're more likely to actually take it consistently. That's the theory, at least.
But here's the HUGE caveat: Sugar content! Seriously? Gummies are often LOADED with sugar! Giving a diabetic (or anyone concerned about blood sugar) something packed with sugar seems utterly counterintuitive, bordering on insane.
However! (Yes, another "however" – life is complicated, people!) Some diabetes gummies are formulated to be low in sugar or even sugar-free, using sugar substitutes. These could be a reasonable option if they contain those beneficial ingredients we talked about earlier (chromium, cinnamon, berberine, Gymnema, etc.) and are genuinely low in sugar.
What to look for in diabetes gummies (if you dare to venture into this sugary territory):
- Check the Sugar Content: Obvious, right? Look for gummies that are very low in sugar, ideally sugar-free or using natural, low-glycemic sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
- Ingredient List is King: Forget the fancy marketing. Focus on the active ingredients. Are they actually effective blood sugar supplement ingredients? Are they in decent dosages? Don't be fooled by pixie dust.
- Reputable Brand: Stick to brands that have some credibility and transparency. Do your research. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Seriously, I'm not kidding. Before adding any supplement, gummy or otherwise, especially if you have diabetes or are taking medication, get professional advice.
Don't be a sucker for marketing hype! Diabetes gummies can be a convenient way to get your blood sugar supplement ingredients, but you need to be a smart consumer and read those labels like your life depends on it (because, in a way, it does). And for goodness sake, don’t think these are candy!
Diabetes Drugs vs. Supplements: Know the Difference, People!
Let’s get one thing crystal clear: Diabetes drugs are MEDICATIONS prescribed by a doctor to treat diabetes. Blood sugar supplements are supplements – meant to support healthy blood sugar levels, often in conjunction with lifestyle changes. They are NOT interchangeable!
Diabetes drugs like metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas, and others are powerful pharmaceuticals designed to directly impact blood sugar regulation. They are rigorously tested, regulated, and prescribed when lifestyle interventions and supplements aren’t enough to manage diabetes. They are essential for many people to prevent serious complications.
Supplements, on the other hand, are not meant to treat disease. They are intended to support overall health and well-being. While some blood sugar supplements have shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity or glucose metabolism, their effects are generally milder and less predictable than diabetes drugs.
Think of it this way:
- Diabetes Drugs: The heavy artillery. Used to directly combat and manage diagnosed diabetes. Essential for many, prescribed by doctors.
- Blood Sugar Supplements: The supportive infantry. Can help support healthy blood sugar, potentially in prediabetes or alongside lifestyle changes. Not a replacement for medication when needed.
Don't even think about replacing your prescribed diabetes drug with some diabetes gummies or any other supplement without consulting your doctor! That's not just irresponsible; it’s downright dangerous. Supplements can be part of a holistic approach, but they are not a replacement for necessary medical treatment.
Your Action Plan: Keep Your Blood Sugar on the Straight and Narrow (Naturally!)
Okay, professor rant over. Let's get practical. How do you actually keep your post-meal blood sugar in check? It's not rocket science, but it requires consistent effort and smart choices.
Your Blood Sugar Management Toolkit:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Load up on vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limit refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and processed junk. You know the drill!
- Portion Control is Your Friend: Don't overload your system with massive meals. Smaller, more frequent meals might be easier on your blood sugar. Listen to your body’s hunger cues.
- Fiber Up!: Fiber slows down sugar absorption. Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits (in moderation!), whole grains, and legumes.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a fantastic insulin sensitizer and blood sugar regulator. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Even a brisk walk after meals can make a difference.
- Consider a Smart Supplement (Maybe even Gummies!): If you’re struggling to keep your post-meal blood sugar in check despite making lifestyle changes, a blood sugar supplement with evidence-backed ingredients might be helpful. And yes, if you find a low-sugar or sugar-free diabetes gummy with good ingredients that makes it easier for you to be consistent, and your doctor gives the green light, then go for it!
- Monitor Your Blood Sugar: If you're concerned about your blood sugar, invest in a blood glucose meter and test regularly, especially after meals, to see how different foods and lifestyle choices affect you. Knowledge is power!
- Get Regular Checkups: See your doctor for regular checkups and blood sugar screenings, especially if you have risk factors for diabetes. Early detection is key.
Remember: Managing your blood sugar is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about making sustainable lifestyle changes and being proactive about your health. Don't fall for quick fixes or miracle cures. Be informed, be consistent, and be a little bit stubborn about taking care of yourself. Your body will thank you for it – and you’ll avoid that nasty post-lunch slump!
P.S. If you are considering diabetes gummies, do your homework! Look for those low-sugar options with proven ingredients. And for goodness sake, talk to your doctor! They’re not going to bite (unless you try to replace your insulin with gummy bears – then maybe they will).
References:
[1] National Institutes of Health (NIH). Chromium. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/ [2] Diabetes UK. Cinnamon. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/what-to-eat-with-diabetes/food-groups/spices-herbs-and-flavourings/cinnamon [3] Yin, J., Xing, H., & Ye, J. (2008). Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism, 57(5), 712-717. [4] Leach, M. J. (2007). Gymnema sylvestre for diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(9), 977-983.
Episode 232- #type2diabetes & Our Community- Fix Blood Sugar Webinar with Dr. Scott Saunders MD. 💥www.BartonWebinar.com 💥 Use code Webinar25 blood sugar not going down after insulin for 25% off -Disclaimer-This video is being made available for informational and educational purposes only, not intended to be a substitute for professional medical aloe vera and blood sugar advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek what can cause blood sugar to be high the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've read or seen here.