Managing blood sugar can often feel like a rollercoaster, given the numerous factors—over 100—that can influence our readings. Food is a key contributor to these fluctuations, which is why insulin is so vital. It converts the food we eat into energy and prevents excessive glucose from accumulating in the blood, helping to avoid potential complications. 

Have you ever wondered why eating your favourite foods such as pizza, cake, chocolate, and pastries causes your glucose levels to drop very low, followed by a huge spike 1 or 2 hours later? Keep reading to explore why this happens and how it relates to your diabetes management. By understanding how the different macronutrients affect your blood glucose alongside tools such as CGMs and insulin pumps, you will be able to control these unexpected fluctuations related to the consumption of many of your favourite foods.

• Fat and Protein = Traffic Jam: Fats and proteins slow down digestion, creating a delay in how fast glucose enters your blood.
• Glucose = Cars on the Highway: The glucose (sugar) from your food has to wait its turn to get through, leading to a delayed rise in blood sugar.

When you eat pizza, you might notice two blood sugar spikes. Here’s why:

1. First Spike: This happens quickly because of the fast-digesting carbs, like the pizza crust. Your blood sugar rises soon after you start eating.
2. Second Spike: This comes later, caused by the fats in the cheese and toppings. These fats cause your body to release glucose slowly over time, leading to a delayed spike.

This two-spike problem doesn’t just happen with pizza. It can happen with any food that has a lot of fat, like chocolate or creamy desserts.

Example: A meal that’s 70% carbs and 30% fat might still cause a second glucose spike because of the fat content.

How to Handle the Two Spikes

Everyone’s body works a bit differently, so you might see that second spike 30 minutes after eating, or it could take up to two hours. But, on average, it happens about an hour after eating.

Here are some strategies to manage these spikes:

• Split-Bolusing: Take some of your insulin before you eat and the rest later, when you expect the second spike. For example, if you need five units of insulin for a pizza, you might take three units before you eat and two units an hour later.
• Use Your CGM: Your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), like the Dexcom G6 or Freestyle Libre, can help you track these spikes in real-time. With CGM patches, you can keep an eye on your blood sugar levels without needing to do finger pricks all the time.

Important: Always talk to your doctor or nurse before trying any new insulin strategies, as everyone’s diabetes management is unique.

Should You Stop Eating Pizza and Other High-Fat Foods?

No way! Fats are important for your body, like protecting your organs and giving you energy. The key is to understand how these foods affect your blood sugar so you can manage it better. As you learn more about how your body reacts, you’ll get better at controlling your blood sugar even after eating foods like pizza.

Key Points to Remember:

• Fats are essential: They play a crucial role in your body’s functions.
• Understanding is key: Learn how different foods impact your blood sugar.
• Use technology: Devices like CGMs and diabetes CGM patches can help you monitor your levels more effectively.

Tools to Help You Manage Your Blood Sugar

Luckily, there are lots of tools that can help you keep track of your blood sugar. Devices like the Dexcom G6, Freestyle Libre, and Eversense CGM can show you your blood sugar levels in real-time. These devices often use diabetes CGM patches, which stick to your skin and continuously monitor your glucose levels.

Benefits of Using a CGM:

• Real-time monitoring: See your blood sugar levels instantly.
• Fewer finger pricks: CGM patches reduce the need for frequent finger pricks.
• Better control: Helps you understand how food, exercise, and insulin affect your blood sugar.