The post prandial blood sugar test or PPBS test detects how the body responds to starch and sugar after a meal. It evaluates if the function of insulin is effective to keep normal blood sugar levels.
This test helps to detect the blood sugar levels post-meal, which is recommended in people at risk of diabetes, prediabetics, and diabetics.
When the body is unable to produce or use enough insulin to control the blood glucose levels, the person’s blood sugar levels appear high. If the high blood sugar levels are not controlled, it can cause severe health problems.
After a meal the blood sugar levels increase significantly till the food is digested completely. In response to this, the pancreas releases insulin that helps these sugars to move from the blood into the muscle cells and other tissues to produce energy in the body.
Within two hours of the meal, the blood sugar levels and insulin return to normal. However, if the blood sugar levels still remain high, this indicates a person has diabetes.
Why is the Post Prandial Blood Sugar or PPBS Test Done?
Doctors usually suggest undergoing the PPBS test to detect if a person has diabetes or any other insulin-related disorder. A doctor may advise this blood test if the following symptoms are noted.
- Slow wound healing process
- Numbness or “pins and needles” sensation
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Frequent urination
- Unusual thirst
- Repeated infections
If a woman is pregnant, a doctor will suggest undergoing post prandial blood sugar test for gestational diabetes. It is important to treat gestational diabetes to reduce the risks of health problems for a mother and baby.
It is important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding the need for the PPBS test.
Prerequisites of the Post Prandial Blood Sugar Test
The PPBS test is done two hours after having a regular meal that includes carbohydrates. After the meal, do not eat anything until the test is done.
Follow your doctor’s advice as regards the amount and type of food that can be taken for the meal.
Pregnant women should consult the doctor and ask for any specific preparation before undergoing the PPBS test.
You should mention all the drugs, medicines, herbs, and supplements that you are taking for specific reasons to the doctor. This helps to prevent possible interaction and falsely abnormal or altered PPBS results.
The PPBS test results may be influenced due to the following causes like
- Workout during the testing period
- Unable to eat the entire meal
- Eating a candy or any snack before the test or after the meal
- Smoking during the testing period
- Chronic stress
Therefore avoid doing the above-mentioned activities before and during the test to prevent false abnormal or altered results.
Understanding the Results
The PPBS test results may vary due to factors like age, sex, health history, any health condition, method, etc. A single test result does not mean there is a problem. Based on the reports, your symptoms, family history, and other factors, your doctor may advice other tests to confirm the blood sugar levels.
A PPBS test result is measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). The normal values for the test are as given below.
- Diabetic patient: Less than 180 mg/dL
- People who do not have diabetes: Less than 140 mg/dL
If the blood sugar levels are higher than the normal values even after two hours, it may indicate prediabetes, diabetes, or poorly-controlled diabetes (>180 mg/dL). Your doctor may advise more tests before confirming the diagnosis.
Show the reports to the doctor for proper interpretation. For any abnormal results, do not take any medicine without consulting.
When should it be repeated?
Your doctor may ask you to repeat the post prandial blood sugar or PPBS test to confirm the diagnosis in case the earlier results were falsely abnormal or altered.
For those undergoing treatment, the doctor may advise repeating the test at regular intervals to monitor the condition and effectiveness of treatment.
Procedure
You are required to visit a pathologist’s lab or clinic for a PPBS blood test.
Once you are at the clinic, a healthcare professional will perform the following PPBS test steps.
- A healthcare professional will wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to block the blood flow. This makes the vein to bulge up, helping the professional to insert the needle easily.
- Before inserting the needle, the professional will clean the area with antiseptic.
- After cleaning the area, the healthcare professional inserts the needle and draws a few drops of blood.
- Once the blood is drawn, the professional removes the needle and cleans the area.
- A healthcare professional will then apply a bandage or gauze pad over the injection site.
- In the end, the professional will remove the elastic band and you are free to go home.
This procedure hardly takes 5 minutes and post the test you can continue with your daily tasks.
The PPBS test results will be available within a few hours, and after that you need to visit a doctor’s clinic and get proper medication.
