Bonus BEWARE: Experiencing hypoglycemia about an hour or two after eating a meal?
It can be perplexing, however if the meal was very high in fat and protein that may be the culprit. These nutrients, as discussed, slow down the digestion process.
When you consume a meal rich in fats and proteins, the absorption of carbohydrates into your bloodstream is delayed. However, if you've taken mealtime insulin prior to eating, the insulin might reach its peak activity before the carbohydrates have been fully absorbed into your blood. This mismatch can cause your blood sugar to drop initially, within the first hour or two after eating, leading to a low blood sugar event. Later, once the food begins to be digested and absorbed, your blood sugar levels can rebound and rise.
If this scenario occurs often, it's advisable to consult your doctor about possible strategies such as split bolus. This method involves splitting your mealtime insulin dose in half, depending on the meal you are eating. Discussing how to time your insulin dose to better match the delayed absorption of food is the goal. Such a strategy can be particularly effective when eating high-fat foods like pasta or pizza, where delayed glucose spikes are more likely.
Always seek professional medical advice before making any changes to your insulin regimen.