What is a Blood Sugar PP?
After approximately 2 hours of having the meal the levels of the blood glucose rise due to the breakdown of the carbohydrate into glucose molecules during the digestion, the pancreas in response to this releases insulin that helps in the absorption of the blood glucose into the cells for energy.
The blood sugar postprandial (PP) test is conducted to assess the response of the body in the absorption of glucose, thus it measures the amount of glucose present in the blood after 2 hours of consuming the meal. This test helps in the identification of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes at the early stages so that it can be managed and treated effectively.
How is the Test Performed?
The Blood Sugar PP Test is a minimally invasive test that requires a simple blood draw and is conducted after 2 hours of having a meal.
Preparation
- You should have a meal at least 2 hours before the test, the meal should have a minimum of 50-70 grams of carbohydrate to get accurate results.
- Avoid excessive exercise before the test.
- Avoid having caffeine and smoking before the test.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking as certain medicines might influence the test result.
Sample Collection
A certified phlebotomist draws blood through the process of venipuncture.
The blood is drawn typically from the arm vein by using a needle.
The sample is then placed in a sterile tube to avoid contamination and sample degradation.
Laboratory Analysis
The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory using advanced techniques involving enzymatic method, condensation method, and reducing method.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
The Blood Sugar PP Test is a minimally invasive test that requires a simple blood draw and is conducted after 2 hours of having a meal.
Preparation
- You should have a meal at least 2 hours before the test, the meal should have a minimum of 50-70 grams of carbohydrate to get accurate results.
- Avoid excessive exercise before the test.
- Avoid having caffeine and smoking before the test.
Discuss with your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking as certain medicines might influence the test result.
Sample Collection
- A certified phlebotomist draws blood through the process of venipuncture.
- The blood is drawn typically from the arm vein by using a needle.
- The sample is then placed in a sterile tube to avoid contamination and sample degradation.
Laboratory Analysis
The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory using advanced techniques involving enzymatic method, condensation method, and reducing method.
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal values for Blood Sugar PP are affected due to certain factors including health conditions, age, and pregnancy. The generally accepted ranges are mentioned below;
- Normal – Less than 140 mg/dL 2 hours after a meal
- Prediabetes – Between 140 and 199 mg/dL
- Diabetes – More than and equal to 200 mg/dL
**The reference values given above are for general guidelines only and may vary according to the assay of the test used between the laboratories. **
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
High or low levels of blood sugar PP indicates the presence of an underlying condition. Further testing might be required for further diagnosis;
Elevated Blood Sugar PP
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Prediabetes- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Gestational diabetes
- An infection or surgery might also increase blood sugar levels
Decreased Blood Sugar PP
- Insulin overdose
- Reactive hypoglycemia in which blood sugar drops drastically after having a meal.
- Imbalances in the hormones
