post prandial blood sugar test

The Postprandial glucose test or PPBS is a glucose test done on the blood that helps determine the type of sugar, also known as glucose after a certain meal. Carbohydrate foods are the main sources of glucose and it is a primary source of energy present in the body.

Blood glucose levels generally increase a bit after eating a meal. It is because the pancreas releases insulin which helps the body remove glucose from the blood and store it as energy. Those suffering from diabetes will not be able to respond to the insulin and this keeps their glucose levels high. The levels remain high and over time, this can cause damage to the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels as well.

The postprandial test is generally undertaken for two hours and it precisely measures the glucose in the blood two hours after eating a meal. The timing for the same begins from the start of the meal. After 2 hours, blood sugar levels generally drop back to normal for healthier individuals but it can remain high for those with diabetes. It thus serves as a final test for those who may have diabetes and whether the person with diabetes is able to manage his blood sugar levels.

Checking levels at least 90 minutes after a meal is one way to manage this. This is because during this time period the analogue insulin would reach its maximum desired effect. Normal insulin not only takes longer but acts for a longer period as well.

For those who have type 1 diabetes, the blood sugar levels need to be anywhere between 5 and 9 mmol/litre at a time period of just about 90 minutes after eating. Doctors may recommend another postprandial level depending on the patient's health state and their personal needs.

• The insulin-to-carb ratio
• The type of food eaten
• Estimation of the amount of carbs
• Injection to meal interval period

The IMI, also known as the pre-bolus is the time period between insulin (bolus) and the meal itself. The time period for the same is an individual's decision that needs to be made after consulting with a doctor because a lot of people react differently to different types of insulin and food.

A longer IMI can be very irritating in addition to being a tedious process. It isn't prudent when you feel like having a snack or you're eating outside because not a lot of people have the patience to sit and wait. However, the analogue insulin makes it easier to inject it quickly or just after eating and this can help the sugar levels return back to normal.

Rapid-acting insulin also comes with a recommendation that allows it to keep to a pretty small IMI.

How often the PPG needs to be checked depends on the individual and their goals to control the sugar levels in the blood. Working with a team should help one identify their goals and the testing regimen. People who are generally advised to get their blood sugar levels tested frequently include:

• Pregnant women with type 1 or 2 diabetes
• Women who are pregnant with gestational diabetes
• Individuals trying a new insulin type or dosage
• People who have diabetes which is hard to control
• People with multiple medications are also at risk for low sugar levels
• People who have a history of blood sugar just post eating

To conduct the test, a meal has to be eaten just 2 hours before the sample of blood is taken. The home blood test is the most common way to check the levels. The procedure is as follows:

• Wrap a tourniquet around the arm to stop blood flow. The veins below the band become larger so its easier to insert a needle
• Clean the needle site with 70% isopropyl alcohol and insert it at 10-30 degrees
• Place the vacutainer tube into the holder to fill it with blood and remove the tourniquet once the tube is filled
• Apply a gauze pad or cotton as the needle is removed
• Apply pressure followed with a bandage

The results will be ready somewhere around 1 to 2 hours after the test.

Portea ensures that the best materials and the best trainers are present for each and every test. They will ensure that the procedure is conducted in a smooth manner without any glitches. They will also arrive at your home to conduct the same and will be able to provide you with all the assistance that you might need during this time period.

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