> [Blood glucose levels rising after eating] really surprises me because we
three non-diabetics had a drop in bg.

Insulin in secreted immediately upon smelling and anticipating food.  This
first release of insulin may lower blood sugar levels.  Blood glucose levels
soon rebound once food makes its way through the stomach, into the small
intestine, and is absorbed by the intestinal villa into the bloodstream.
This takes some time, of course.

Rob