We all have numerous questions about the best practices to adopt for good health. One such pertinent query that we came across on Quora was about the right time to check blood sugar . “Should you check your blood sugar right after waking up or 1-2 hours after having breakfast?” So, we decided to ask a diabetologist.
Why is the fasting reading important?
Fasting blood sugar helps doctors understand how your body regulates glucose without food triggers. “It’s a key marker for diagnosing prediabetes or diabetes and for monitoring whether your current treatment or lifestyle plan is effective. Consistently high fasting sugars often indicate that the liver is releasing too much glucose overnight or that insulin action is not enough,” said Dr Vijay Negalur, HoD Diabetology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.
When is the best time to check fasting blood sugar in the morning?
Dr Negalur told indianexpress.com that fasting blood sugar should be measured right after waking up, before you eat or drink anything other than plain water. “The goal of a fasting reading is to capture your body’s baseline glucose level after 8 to 10 hours of overnight rest, without any influence from food,” said Dr Negalur. It is essential to strictly do the test before breakfast, stressed Dr Negalur. “If you check 1 to 2 hours after eating, that’s no longer a fasting sugar. It becomes a ‘postprandial’ reading, which gives different information. Both are important, but they measure different things. Fasting sugar reflects how your body maintains glucose overnight, while post-meal sugar shows how your body handles food,” elucidated Dr Negalur.
What about those who notice higher readings in the morning despite not eating?
This can occur due to the “dawn phenomenon,” where hormones released early in the morning cause a slight rise in sugar levels. According to Dr Negalur, it doesn’t always mean poor control, but if it happens often, it’s worth discussing with your doctor. Medication or meal timing may need adjustment.
Any tips before checking sugar levels?
Make sure you’ve fasted for at least 8 hours. Don’t delay the test for too long after waking up, and avoid tea, coffee, or even fruit before the check, emphasised Dr Negalur.
Stay consistent by testing around the same time each morning. For those monitoring at home, keeping a log of fasting and post-meal readings provides the clearest picture of overall control.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
