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Glucose - Postprandial Blood

Interpreting Results
Glucose - Postprandial Blood

Overview of PPBG

What is PPBG?

PPBG refers to Postprandial Blood Glucose. PPBG Test is performed to measure glucose levels in the blood after a period of 2 hours from the start of last meal to screen for Prediabetes and Diabetes Types 1 and 2. The word ‘Postprandial’ means after eating a meal.

Why is PPBG done?

·         To screen for high blood sugar in presence of risk factors of Diabetes

·         To monitor treatment efficacy in patients undergoing treatment for Diabetes

·         As a part of a routine preventive health checkup

What does PPBG Measure?

Glucose Postprandial Blood (PPBG) Test measures the glucose levels in the blood after a period of 2 hours from the start of last meal. The PPBG test is usually done along with a Fasting Blood Glucose test.

Glucose is a simple sugar or monosaccharide which is the main source of energy for all the cells of the body, and the only energy source for the nervous system. Carbohydrates consumed in the diet are broken down to their simplest form, glucose which is absorbed by the intestines and transported by the blood to various organs. It is subsequently utilized by cells of these organs to produce energy wherever necessary, and the excess is stored either as glycogen in the liver for short-term storage or in fat tissues as triglycerides for long-term storage. The uptake, utilization, and storage of glucose after it is absorbed in the intestines is facilitated by the hormone insulin secreted by the pancreas. Insulin influences the transport of glucose to the organs requiring it, like the heart, brain, working muscles, etc. It also directs storage of excess glucose. The action of insulin reduces sugar levels in the blood.

After every meal, sugar levels increase in the blood and insulin is secreted as a response to reduce the sugar levels until it becomes normal. If glucose levels fall too low in blood, another pancreatic hormone called glucagon is released. Glucagon directs the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the blood. The insulin and glucagon hormones create a feedback mechanism to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Imbalance in their activity can cause high or low blood sugar levels in the blood.

This helps to determine whether the body is able to utilize or store glucose efficiently. Excess sugar in the blood indicates it is not being utilized or stored. This is principally caused due to Diabetes which can be of two types Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is caused when insulin is not produced or produced in very little quantity. Type 2 Diabetes is caused when insulin produced is not utilized effectively by the body (Insulin resistance) and also due to decreased insulin production. In both these cases, blood sugar level rises, while cells are deprived of nutrition.

Preparation for PPBG


Sample Type for PPBG

The sample type collected for Glucose - Postprandial Blood is: Blood

Interpreting PPBG results


  • Normal: under 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l)

  • Impaired glucose tolerance or Pre-diabetes: between 140 and 200 mg/dl (7.8 and 11.1 mmol/l)

  • Diabetes: equal to or above 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l)

Oral glucose tolerance test is usually recommended when the blood glucose level falls between 140 and 200 mg/dl.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PPBG

Frequently Asked Questions about Glucose - Postprandial Blood

Q. How is this test performed?
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
Q. What are the risk factors for Diabetes?
Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?
Q. What are the common complications of diabetes?
Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the result of Blood Glucose PP test is not normal?
Additional tests that may be prescribed to diagnose diabetes in case of abnormal blood glucose test result are: Urine Glucose Test Blood Glucose - Fasting Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test or HbA1c Test Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Q. What is Hyperglycemia and what are its symptoms?
Hyperglycemia refers to a condition where the blood glucose level is above the normal range. This condition may indicate prediabetes or diabetes and may cause significant health problems. Symptoms of Hyperglycemia include: Increased thirst, frequent urge to urinate, weakness, tiredness (fatigue), blurring of vision and slow healing of wound.
Q. What is Hypoglycemia and what are its symptoms?
Hypoglycemia is the condition where the blood sugar levels fall below normal. This is commonly found in case of nutritional deficiency. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia include: Excessive sweating, frequent hunger, shivering or trembling, confusion and blurring of vision.
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