Question: I use glucometer. My post prandial blood sugar level is 170 after taking Amaryl and metformin.
Is that okay? Is it within normal limits?
A post-meal glucose of 170 mg/dL may be within the usual treatment target for many nonpregnant adults with diabetes when it is measured 1–2 hours after the start of the meal. A commonly used target is below 180 mg/dL, but your personal goal may be different.
One reading does not show that Amaryl or metformin should be increased. Record the test timing, meal, medicine dose and any low readings, and review the pattern together with your A1C and clinician.
Answer by Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc
It depends on when you tested, your individualized target and your overall glucose pattern. For many adults with diabetes, common goals are:
Therefore, 170 mg/dL at the correct post-meal time is generally within the common diabetes treatment target. It is not the same as a normal diagnostic result in a person without diabetes, and repeated values should be interpreted with fasting readings, A1C, age, kidney function, complications and hypoglycemia risk. See our blood sugar after eating guide for timing and ranges.
Blood glucose often rises most during the first one to two hours after a meal and then falls. A result taken 30 minutes after eating cannot be compared directly with one taken after two hours. Count from the start of the meal, wash and dry your hands before testing, and repeat an unexpected reading.
Keep a short log for several days that includes:
Amaryl is glimepiride, a sulfonylurea. It helps the pancreas release more insulin. It can cause hypoglycemia, particularly when meals are delayed or skipped, food intake is reduced, exercise is prolonged, alcohol is used, or kidney or liver function is impaired.
Metformin mainly reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin
Do not increase, decrease or stop either medicine based on one reading. Glimepiride dose changes can produce severe low blood sugar. Medication decisions should be based on a reviewed pattern, A1C, kidney function, meal schedule and other health factors.
Arrange a review if post-meal readings are repeatedly above your agreed target, your fasting readings are high, your A1C is above goal, or you have frequent glucose below 70 mg/dL. Your clinician may review meal portions, adherence, medicine timing, kidney function and whether the treatment still provides the best balance of glucose control and hypoglycemia safety.
A reading of 170 mg/dL by itself is not usually an emergency. Seek urgent care for severe confusion, fainting, seizure, inability to swallow, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or very high glucose with ketones or symptoms of ketoacidosis.
Question: In your response, you mentioned herbs. Can you tell me which ones you would suggest?
I would not add a glucose-lowering herb simply because the post-meal reading is 170 mg/dL. Cinnamon, bitter melon, fenugreek, Gymnema and chromium have not been proven to replace diabetes medicine, and concentrated products may interact with treatment.
Because Amaryl can cause hypoglycemia, adding several supplements that may also affect glucose could make readings less predictable. Review the exact product and dose with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Small culinary amounts of herbs and spices are different from concentrated capsules, powders or extracts. Product strength and purity vary, and evidence for meaningful diabetes benefit remains limited or inconsistent. For a detailed evidence and safety review, see diabetic herbs and supplement safety.
Answered by: Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist
Last reviewed: July 2026
Medical disclaimer: Educational only—not personal medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment should come from a qualified clinician who knows the patient’s medical history.
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