An individual needs to maintain the blood sugar level in the body. Blood sugar level denotes the quantity of glucose in a person’s bloodstream. Glucose is vital for our bodies, but we don’t need it in abundance. Doctors suggest that the blood sugar level of an individual should not go beyond 140 mg/dL. Blood sugar level should also not go below a minimum level (˂70 mg/dL). 

What is Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) Test? 

An individual needs to maintain the blood sugar level in the body. Blood sugar level denotes the quantity of glucose in a person’s bloodstream. Glucose is vital for our bodies, but we don’t need it in abundance. Doctors suggest that the blood sugar level of an individual should not go beyond 140 mg/dL. Blood sugar level should also not go below a minimum level (˂70 mg/dL).  

Whether the blood sugar level is too high or too low, there might be some problems in the body. An individual should have glycaemic control and maintain normal blood sugar levels. Even if someone has higher blood sugar levels, it is not the end of the road. Doctors can treat blood sugar levels with proper diet and medication. However, you will have to get a lab test to know the current blood sugar levels in the body.  

Blood sugar levels are tested before a meal, after a meal, and before bedtime. Usually, blood sugar levels tend to be lower before a meal. However, after having a meal, the blood sugar levels tend to rise. It happens because the body extracts more glucose from the food item. When a blood sugar test is performed after a meal, it is called PP (Post Prandial) test.  

A Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test is performed after two hours of having a meal. When a person has diabetes, the PP and fasting blood sugar levels are cross-checked at frequent intervals. For diabetic patients, post-prandial levels should not be more than 180 mg/dL. By checking post-prandial levels, doctors can monitor the course of diabetes treatment. Read on to understand more about the Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test.  

Who Should Get a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) Test? 

One might need a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test after suspecting abnormal blood sugar levels in the body. It is not necessary that you have to be a diabetic patient to take a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test. Many healthy individuals take blood sugar tests at regular intervals as a precaution.  

Usually, one needs a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test after showing symptoms of diabetes. People more than 40 years of age might also need a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) for precaution. Doctors also suggest individuals suffering from obesity get tested for blood sugar levels. Some bodily symptoms that call for a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test are as follows:  
 

• Urinating frequently  
• Feeling thirsty at frequent intervals  
• Blurred vision  
• Increased tiredness  
• Bleeding in the gums  
• Unexplained loss of mass  
• Tingling sensation in feet/hands  
• Delayed healing of cuts and wounds  
   

Why Get Tested for Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP)? 

Checking post-prandial blood sugar levels is essential for diabetic patients. After taking blood sugar tests after meals, diabetic patients can know the enhanced blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should not have a post-prandial blood sugar level of more than 180 mg/dL. If the post-prandial blood sugar level is not normal, the doctors might have to change the treatment.  

With the help of Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) tests, doctors can know which food item has the most significant impact on blood sugar levels. With the help of Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test reports, doctors change the dosage of medication for diabetic patients. Under no circumstances should diabetic patients ignore a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test.  

A Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test is common among patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Healthy individuals concerned about their blood sugar levels can also take post-prandial blood sugar tests.  

When Get Tested for Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP)? 

Approximately two hours after having a meal, a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test is performed. People suffering from diabetes might need a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test every month or quarter. Doctors require blood sugar test reports at frequent intervals to monitor the course of treatment and decide the dosage of medication.  

People who have crossed 40 years of age might need a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test once/twice a year. People aged more than 40 have an increased risk for diabetes. Someone having a family history of high blood sugar levels might also need a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test once a year. People suffering from obesity might also want to check their blood sugar levels once or twice a year.  

Sample Required  

Lab technicians will require a small blood sample to conduct a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test. A needle will be inserted into the vein to collect a blood sample for the blood sugar test. Lab technicians will then study the blood sample to determine the exact amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Sample collection for a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test is simple, and you will not feel any pain.  

Is Fasting Required Before a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) Test? 

Blood sugar tests are also conducted after fasting. However, a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test does not require patients to fast. Patients have to finish their meal within 20 minutes and rest for two hours before taking a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test.  

You should not smoke or exercise before taking a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test. Consult your doctor to know more about preparations before taking a Glucose/Sugar Post Prandial (PP) test.