Glucose Post-prandial, Plasma

Other names: PP sugar test, PPG test, two hours post-prandial glucose test, PPBS

The term post prandial simply means after a meal. Therefore, a post prandial blood sugar test simply measures the sugar levels post a meal, typically after two hours. The PP blood sugar test is done together with the fasting blood sugar test.

The food we eat is converted to glucose and the level of glucose in the blood is controlled by insulin. In a diabetic person, either there is not enough insulin produced or there is insulin impairment.

The post prandial test shows how your body responds to sugar post a meal. While the fasting blood sugar helps set a baseline sugar level. As food is digested, there is a temporary rise in blood sugar levels and blood insulin levels as sugar from the blood is moved to muscles and tissues. If blood sugar levels remain high 2 hours after a meal, it indicates that you have diabetes.

Why post prandial blood sugar test?

India is home to over 77 million diabetics and has the second-highest number of diabetes patients aged between 20-79 years as of 2019. Socioeconomic and demographic changes, along with increased susceptibility for diabetes in India individuals owing to genetic factors have led to an explosive rise in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in India over the past forty years.

In addition, the country also has a burden of ‘’pre-diabetes’’. Timely diagnosis can prevent pre-diabetes manifesting in to diabetes. Good sugar control in diabetics can also help prevent diabetes related complications.

Who should get tested for Glucose Post-Prandial, Plasma?

The post prandial blood sugar helps diagnose diabetes, to understand how well diabetes is controlled or the patient has predisposition to develop insulin related disorder.

Your healthcare provider may order this test if diabetes is suspected. Symptoms include frequent urination, unusual thirst, blurred vision, wounds that take long time to heal, sweating, fatigue, hunger, unusual craving for sweets, tiredness, repeated infections and sores.

Reference Values for Glucose Post-Prandial, Plasma

PP Blood sugar value in mg/dL	What does the value mean?
70 - 140	Normal
140 - 199	Pre-diabetes
> 200	Diabetes

 

Interpretation:

Your healthcare provider will help you understand the test results basis your medical history. Your doctor may order an HbA1c blood test to confirm your diagnosis.